Meeting summary: October 14, 2026
Meeting held on October 14, 2026. Published on October 14, 2026.
PDXHF accepted the PCR Workshop + Ongoing proposal, supporting hands-on biology workshops and continued community access to DNA-analysis equipment.
Community support and grant review
The board authorized a debit card for regular Hacklunch food, delivery, and related expenses. It also reviewed the foundation's previous grant awards.
Grant approval: PCR Workshop + Ongoing
Approved: October 14, 2026.
PDXHF approved support for the proposed PCR workshops and ongoing community access to the equipment.
What it does: Support a portable PCR and DNA-analysis kit, at least one hands-on workshop, and ongoing community access through equipment loans or help running experiments.
Why we funded it: Hands-on biology workshops and continued access to shared tools give Portland's hacker community new opportunities to learn and experiment.
Participants would learn about DNA extraction, amplification with PCR, and gel electrophoresis to observe DNA fragments separated by length. The proposal suggests applications such as identifying fungi and plants.
The applicant plans to contribute toward the equipment, bring supplies, and cover workshop consumables unless costs grow substantially. At least one workshop and ongoing access are proposed deliverables; they have not yet been reported as completed.
Project: DIY BIO project page