LAUNCH Spring 2026 Cohort

Wednesday, April 9, 2026-Wednesday, April 30, 2026

Location: Virtual / UCLA I-Corps Program

Please register using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuQjFsn-e0hkajAU9QYyOYA0rHKPIY5hc2Vi5i2yh2daPP2A/viewformhttps://luma.com/8mfc5hnp

Wondering if your research could have real-world impact beyond the lab? I-Corps at UCLA is an immersive training program designed to help transform innovation into impact. Open to faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, research scientists, and staff, the program supports participants in evaluating the commercial potential of their ideas and research.

Through the four-session LAUNCH workshop, participants will explore key entrepreneurial tools and frameworks that support lab-to-market translation. The Spring 2026 program will take place on April 9, April 16, April 23, and April 30. The program also highlights the new NSF Translation to Practice (TTP) Program.

You’ll have a chance to:

• Evaluate lab-to-market opportunities through Lean Startup Methodology

• Build skills in business model discovery and data collection

• Better understand customer segments and roles

• Develop and refine value propositions

• Learn more about the new NSF Translation to Practice Program

Lowell Milken Institute–Sandler Prize for New Entrepreneurs

January 22, 2026 · 5.45 PM

Location:  Law School Room 1430 (In Person)

Please see the form below for details and RSVP using the link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKy6OlMYWs9PajmX340L2XE6qxpFu1XFh-W_IuMzc2v8Vivg/viewform

Calling all student entrepreneurs! Interested in learning how to start a business (no prior experience needed)? Join UCLA School of Law to learn how to compete in the 2026 Lowell Milken Institute–Sandler Prize for New Entrepreneurs —a team-based business pitch competition where students from across campus come together to build a venture and develop a strong business pitch.

This January Meetup combines an in-person info session, quick pitch, and networking reception in one evening, giving you a chance to:

• Learn how the competition works and what to expect
• Meet potential teammates and collaborators from across UCLA
• Share a quick pitch and get early feedback in a low-stakes setting
• Connect with the community through networking

Each team will be paired with an industry mentor for guidance, and participants can win up to $4,000 per team member, while gaining hands-on experience building a venture and pitch.

Cross-Campus Mixer: NSF I-Corps Info Session & Team Formation Quick Pitch

Date: November 19, 2025

Time & Location: 12:00PM – 2PM @ UCLA Engineering Building 6, 1st Floor Breezeway

UCLA Anderson School of Management and UCLA Samueli School of Engineering are partnering on an info session to help student researchers translate their work beyond the lab. You’ll get a concise overview of UCLA’s business plan competitions and campus innovation opportunities, plus guidance on where to start. Don’t forget to sign up by using the link or QR code below.

 RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gloNnS2arhye10OWpCFerv8RdIhodWbMEFn8ZhVy19g/viewform?edit_requested=true

UCLA Ventures | SF Tech Week Pitch Showcase

Deadline: August 18, 2025 

This special showcase brings together UCLA founders, investors, and industry leaders to spotlight AI startups pushing the frontier during San Francisco Tech Week. Teams will pitch in front of a panel of Bay Area venture capitalists and executives, receive and connect with the UCLA Ventures community. UCLA founders building with AI are encouraged to apply.

 Application Link: https://www.mofo.com/resources/events/251016-life-science-therapeutics-pitch-day

UCLA I-Corps Summer 2025 Info Session

August 7, 2025 · 12 PM

Location:  Virtual

Please see the form below for details and RSVP using the link:
 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfj7_Uwb_ClSRMt2lLWC3RdCa40OkWCrVfTPr_S63eBR_HEyw/viewform

Join the UCLA I-Corps Info Session for an engaging virtual event featuring:

• How the NSF-funded I-Corps program turns breakthrough research into real-world impact, and see if it’s right for you

• A preview of the 3-session ZAP introductory workshop—Lean Startup methodology, business-model discovery & data collection, customer segments and roles, plus crafting compelling value propositions

• Insights on the brand-new NSF Translation-to-Practice (TTP) program and how it complements I-Corps training

• Eligibility guidance for UCLA faculty, postdocs, graduate & undergraduate students, researchers, scientists, and staff—everyone ready to explore a lab-to-market path

We look forward to helping you turn your innovation into impact—see you online on August 7!

Venture Accelerator Annual Alumni Mixer

May 1, 2025 · 5 PM – 8 PM

Location:  UCLA Anderson – Marion Anderson Hall (Grand Salon)
110 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Please see the form below for details and RSVP using the link
Link: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/alumni/event-details?eid=8784&ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_3_28_2024_0_14_COPY_01)

This special event brings together founders, mentors, speakers, and UCLA cross-campus partners to celebrate the vibrant UCLA entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Enjoy food, drinks, and great company.

Don’t miss this chance to reconnect and expand your entre-Bruin-ial network!

Lunch and Learn: Demystifying the Life Science Business Development

April 17th, 2025 · 11:30 AM – 1 PM

Location:  5th Floor Presentation Space of the CNSI Building

Please see the form below for details and RSVP using the link 
Link: https://lnkd.in/gndcjZnt

Demystifying the Life Science Business Development: Understanding the Process and Best Practices for Success

This workshop will address these critical questions:
• What are the fundamentals of the business development process?
• Why is it important to a company’s success?
• How should you develop a BD strategy and incorporate it into your business plan?
• What are the best practices to consider when standing up a BD process at your company?

Summer 2024 Info Session

August 22, 2024 · 12 PM – 1 PM

Wondering if your research could have real-world impact beyond the lab? NSF I-Corps is an immersive training program that facilitates the transformation of innovation to impact. Open to faculty, postdoctoral researchers, & graduate students, our workshops offer lab to market insight and pathway to $50,000 in NSF grant funding. Register here.

Cohort application link: https://icorpshubwest.tfaforms.net/3
Questions: startup@ita.ucla.edu

Fast Pitch Session

Bi-Monthly · June 21, 2024 · 12 PM – 1 PM

Not sure but have a pitch deck? Come and pitch in for 3 minutes, get feedback from industry specialists, and observe how others pitch! The event will be hosted on  Zoom. Register for the FAST pitch here.

Celebrating Black Founders in Deep Tech

February 21, 2024 · 5 PM – 6 PM

Virtual Meeting

Join us for an electrifying speaker panel as we honor the remarkable journey of Black founders paving the way in deep technology innovation. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned investor, or simply passionate about fostering diversity in tech, this is an occasion not to be missed!

This event is hosted by NSF I-Corps at UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and NSF I-CORPS Hub West.