Office of Technology Partnerships

Lunch & Learn with Grann Pharmaceuticals: Learn How a Student-Led Biotech Startup Landed $750K and Advanced to FDA Filing

What does it take to launch a biotech startup, secure major funding, and navigate the FDA process—all within two years of graduation? Join us for a compelling Lunch & Learn with Grann Pharmaceuticals, a biotech startup founded by Thomas Lyle Temple and his classmates from Whittier College, that raised $750,000 in seed funding and advanced toward FDA filing with innovative nanotechnology-based therapies.

This session offers real-world insight into early-stage biotech entrepreneurship—perfect for anyone interested in startup life sciences, FDA regulatory strategy, or leveraging contract services to scale a venture efficiently.

Date: April 2nd, 2025 12PM - 3PM

2025 Riverside County Fast Pitch Competition: Apply Now

We invite local startups to participate in the Riverside Regional Fast Pitch Competition on April 17th, 2025, at 5:30 PM at Riverside ExCITE for a chance to secure a spot at the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale. Hosted by the Office of Technology Partnerships and EPIC SBDC, this event is part of a dynamic celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship in Riverside County, California, aimed at amplifying the voices of startups and entrepreneurs in our community. Additionally, the Riverside County winner will advance to the 2025 Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco on October 15th, 2025, to compete for a $1 million investment prize!

Applications close Tuesday, April 8th, 2025.

Zero-to-Entrepreneur Spring 2025:
Apply Now

Have a business idea but don’t know how to launch it? Whether you're a working professional, UCR student, or a local community member, Zero-to-Entrepreneur provides the knowledge, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help you build a technology-driven startup. This free 6-month program is designed to take you from idea to execution, with expert-led training, personalized mentorship, and access to startup resources. 

Applications for the Spring 2025 cohort are now open.

Zero-to-Entrepreneur Info Session + Breakfast Mixer

Join us for the Zero-to-Entrepreneur Info Session + Mixer to connect with other aspiring entrepreneurs over breakfast. The Zero-to-Entrepreneur program guides participants through a 7-week journey of becoming entrepreneurs, with the extended 6-month option to build technology companies in two of the fastest-growing sectors: agriculture technology and sustainable transportation.

Our info session + mixer is a unique opportunity to meet potential classmates, network, and form teams with like-minded individuals.

BizTech Connect Spring 2025:
APPLY NOW

Ready to propel your business to new heights? BizTech Connect (formerly TACIES) is your launchpad to scaling success. This 4-session small business boot camp can help you gain the practical tools and strategies you need to expand your reach, increase revenue, and build a sustainable business. Learn how to set business goals, identify new market opportunities, optimize your operations with technology and AI, and develop a scalable business model.

Applications for the Spring 2025 cohort are now open:

• May 10th 10:00AM - 12:00PM (In-person)
• May 15th 5:30PM - 7:30PM (Virtual)
• May 22nd 5:30PM - 7:30PM (Virtual)
• May 29th 5:30PM - 7:30PM (In-person)

The Office Of Technology 2023-2024 Annual Report

This past year alone, and thanks to our sponsors, we delivered more than $500,000 in direct grants and resources to our portfolio of students, faculty and community entrepreneurs, so they can conduct technical and market validation, secure new customers and build out our region’s ecosystem. This investment is complemented with more than 2,000 hours of business mentorship delivered through our INNOVAR and Zero-to-Entrepreneur workshops and direct client mentoring sessions. All of these efforts are transforming UCR and our region in a destination for innovation, entrepreneurship and prosperity.

Read more below: