For Startups & Entrepreneurs

Whether you're a UCR-affiliated innovator or a local entrepreneur, we provide a wide range of resources and support to help startups succeed. Our programs and services are designed to foster entrepreneurship, accelerate growth, and support business development across the entire Inland Southern California community.

From idea validation to securing funding and scaling your venture, we’re here to provide expert mentorship, incubation opportunities, and access to valuable networks.

• Entrepreneurship Support (EPIC)

  The Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept and Innovation Center provides strategic business development support, investment readiness guidance, and hands-on mentorship to help startups refine their business models, develop go-to-market strategies, and connect with potential investors.

• Incubation

  Startups can access dedicated workspace and resources at our ExCITE Tech Incubator and Life Sciences Incubator, which provide office space, networking opportunities, access to business advisors, and shared resources to help early-stage companies grow.

• Business Mentorship

  Entrepreneurs receive ongoing mentorship from experienced startup founders, industry professionals, and investors to navigate challenges such as customer acquisition, scaling operations, securing funding, and refining their business strategy.

• Educational Programs

  Founders and startup teams can enhance their business acumen by participating in INNOVAR, Zero-to-Entrepreneur, and BizTech Connect — programs designed to equip entrepreneurs with critical skills in business planning, fundraising, and commercialization.

• Site Selection and Soft Landing Services

  OTP provides location selection and business scaling support through our SoCal OASIS™ Build to Scale Program, which startups establish their physical presence in strategic markets and access resources for expansion and growth.

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For UCR Students

OTP provides students with hands-on learning, mentorship, and funding opportunities to develop their entrepreneurial skills and bring innovative ideas to life.

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• Educational Programs

  Students can take advantage of immersive learning experiences through INNOVAR, Zero-to-Entrepreneur, and Blackstone Launchpad. These programs offer entrepreneurial skill-building, idea validation, and pathways to launching startups through structured curriculum and mentorship.

• Business Mentorship

  OTP connects students with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry experts who provide guidance on refining business ideas, building prototypes, navigating funding opportunities, and growing their startups.

• Intellectual Property Protection and Licensing

  Students working on innovative research or products can receive assistance in understanding intellectual property rights, filing patents, and protecting their inventions to maintain ownership of their work.

• Funding Opportunities

  OTP helps students identify and apply for grants, scholarships, and investment opportunities that can fund their ventures or support the commercialization of their ideas.

For UCR Faculty & Staff

From research to commercialization, OTP helps faculty secure funding, protect intellectual property, and engage with industry partners to maximize the impact of their work.

• Corporate Sponsored Research

  OTP facilitates connections between faculty and industry partners to fund research projects. We assist in negotiating, structuring, and managing research agreements to ensure both university and corporate interests are aligned while supporting research objectives.

• Intellectual Property Protection and Licensing

  Faculty members working on innovative technologies receive guidance on patent filing, intellectual property strategy, and licensing opportunities to bring their research to market while securing ownership and financial benefits.

• Funding Opportunities

  OTP provides strategic support in securing federal and industry research funding, including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants, which help faculty move their ideas toward commercialization.

• Business Mentorship

  Faculty innovators can work with seasoned mentors and advisors who offer expertise in business strategy, technology commercialization, and industry collaboration to turn their research into real-world applications.

• Educational Programs

  Staff and faculty can participate in programs such as INNOVAR, Zero-to-Entrepreneur, and NSF I-Corps,  which provide hands-on workshops, expert guidance, and networking opportunities to develop commercialization and startup skills.

For Industry Partners

Industry partners can collaborate with UCR to access cutting-edge research, top talent, and strategic partnerships for innovation and growth.

• Talent Development & Workforce Pipeline

  Companies can engage with highly skilled UCR students and researchers through internships, research collaborations, and workforce development programs tailored to industry needs. Custom training and upskilling programs are also available to help businesses prepare for emerging technology trends.

• Corporate Strategic Partnerships & Sponsored Research

  Businesses can fund and collaborate on research projects, leveraging UCR’s expertise and facilities to drive technological advancements, co-develop new solutions, and accelerate innovation.

• Technology Licensing & Innovation Access

  Industry partners can license patented UCR technologies to bring cutting-edge research into real-world applications, accelerating the development of new products and services.

• Incubation and Soft Landing Support

  Industry partners looking to expand or establish a presence in Inland Southern California can leverage UCR’s incubation and business support programs to access facilities, resources, and strategic connections.

• Joint Grant and Funding Opportunities

  Businesses can collaborate with UCR researchers on grant applications to secure funding from federal agencies, industry partnerships, and innovation programs like the SBIR/STTR Resource Center and SoCal OASIS™ Build to Scale.

• Networking & Industry Events

  Gain exclusive access to innovation showcases, pitch events, and networking opportunities where businesses can connect with startups, researchers, investors, and policymakers to explore partnerships and investment opportunities.