High Desert Innovation Week returns to Bend, October 13–16, 2026

Every October for the past two decades, a whole bunch of startup folks set their sites on Bend, Oregon. For the longest time, that was purely to attend the Bend Venture Conference. But recently, the folks in Bend realized that they could offer a whole week of awesomeness. And that resulted in the formation of High Desert Innovation Week.

The event takes place October 13–16, 2026, in Bend. It’s organized by Bend Outdoor Worx, Cultivate Bend, and Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO). The four days of programming span natural products, outdoor recreation, technology, bioscience, and climate innovation.

High Desert Innovation Week is an annual celebration of Oregon’s entrepreneurial spirit, held each October in Central Oregon. Organized by Cultivate Bend, Bend Outdoor Worx, and Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), the week brings together organizations, startups and innovators from across the region to showcase the unique resources, collaborative culture and diverse industries that make Oregon a hub for innovation. Over four days, events highlight craft, technology and community, spanning sectors from consumer products to climate tech and outdoor recreation.

Here’s what the week looks like:

• Cultivate Bend’s CPG Celebration (Tue Oct 13, 5:30–7:30 pm, The Haven) — for natural CPG founders, makers, investors, retailers, and industry leaders.
• Bend Outdoor Worx BreakOut (Wed Oct 14, Volcanic Theatre Pub, doors 5:00 pm, pitches 6:00–8:45 pm) — the tenth edition, with five companies from BOW’s recent cohort competing for $10,000 in no-strings-attached cash, winner chosen by audience vote. The Oregon Outdoor Alliance Silent Auction runs beforehand, with proceeds benefiting OOA.
• Bend Venture Conference (Thu–Fri Oct 15–16, downtown Bend) — the 23rd annual, hosted by EDCO. Thursday runs 12:00–7:30 pm at the Tower Theatre with seminars, featured speakers, and the Early Stage pitch competition, followed by a networking reception at the Broken Top Club. Friday begins at 8:00 am with a keynote, the Growth Tech and Growth Industry finalists, and the awards ceremony at the Tower.

For more information, visit High Desert Innovation Week.

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