Members of Wieden+Kennedy, the Portland tech community, Mayor Sam Adams and our friends and associates gathered together for last week’s First Thursday to celebrate the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Portland Incubator Experiment (more commonly known as PIE), a collaborative center that partners leading brands with technology innovators to cultivate community, entrepreneurship and creative thinking.

PIE was founded in August 2009 as a way to connect people in the Portland tech/startup scene with W+K’s resources and innovation. In June of this year, PIE started taking applications for three-month incubation periods (attracting nearly 300 applicants), and September 1st we welcomed the newest class to their space at the corner of NW Davis and 12th.

Several of PIE’s brand mentors and alumni spoke to the crowd about their support for the program and participants.

Wendy Clark, Head of Integrated Marketing and Communications for Coca Cola and PIE brand mentor

Carolyn Sakstrup, Grocery Category Director for Target and PIE brand mentor

Alex Payne, Co-Founder and CTO for Bank Simple and PIE alum

Scott Kveton, Co-Founder and CEO for Urban Airship and PIE alum

The crowd enjoyed drinks in the warm weather, taking in the languishing sunset over Davis St.

We also enjoyed slices of delicious, handmade pie from the wonderful Portland-based Crust and Common Pie Shop.

Thanks to everyone for coming out to support PIE and the Portland tech/startup scene!

Did you make it out to the event? Did you take pictures and enjoy some slices of pie? Share your thoughts in the comments below.