Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Presented by John Shen and Stella Zhang
Where Innovation Meets Opportunity in Irvine
The Irvine Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship — presented by John Shen and Stella Zhang — (Center) is a City initiative designed to help entrepreneurs, startups, and innovation-driven companies launch, grow, and scale.
Located in the heart of one of the nation’s most dynamic business and innovation ecosystems, the Center will bring workspace (lab and office), capital, business advisory expertise, programming, and strategic connections together under one roof. By providing a centralized point of access to business resources and regional partners, the Center will help companies navigate challenges, accelerate growth, and turn innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.
From Vision to Reality
The Center is transitioning from strategic planning to implementation. Over the past year, the City has worked with partners, stakeholders, and industry leaders to develop the Center’s vision, operating framework, and program priorities.
On January 13, 2026, the City Council directed advancement of foundational implementation efforts, including identifying a site, developing strategic partnerships, and securing philanthropic support. Building on this direction, on July 14, 2026, the City Council approved execution of a lease for the Center at 510 Technology Drive, Suite 100, and formalization of key partnerships, establishing the foundation needed to bring the Center’s vision to life.
On July 28, a press conference was held celebrating the Center. Read the press release (Open in new window) and view photos (Open in new window) from the event.
The Center is anticipated to open in April 2027. As implementation progresses, the City looks forward to sharing additional milestones and opportunities to engage with the Center.
A Hub for Business Growth
The Center will provide an integrated environment where entrepreneurs and businesses can access the space, expertise, and connections needed to advance from concept to commercialization. By bringing business support organizations, innovation partners, and specialized resources together in one location, the Center will make it easier for companies to identify and access the right support at the right time.
Key features will include:
- Flexible coworking and incubation space for startups and early-stage companies;
- Collaboration and convening areas designed for networking, educational programming, industry events;
- Complimentary business advising, technical assistance, and mentorship;
- Connections to capital, customers, industry leaders, and strategic partners;
- Flexible lab and prototyping capabilities supporting product development, testing, and commercialization; and
- Accelerator programming designed to help high-potential companies achieve key growth milestones.
A Connected Innovation Ecosystem
Innovation thrives through collaboration. The Center will bring entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, educational institutions, business advisors, service providers, and industry leaders together under one roof. Through partnerships with regional organizations, educational institutions, workforce providers, and innovation-focused entities, the Center will:
- Foster collaboration across industries and disciplines;
- Support entrepreneurship, business formation, and commercialization;
- Connect companies to expertise, mentorship, capital, and growth opportunities;
- Strengthen connections between employers, educational institutions, and regional talent;
- Expand access to coordinated resources for startups and growing companies; and
- Create opportunities for established businesses to engage with emerging technologies and entrepreneurs.
This collaborative model will provide businesses with a more connected and accessible support system while strengthening Irvine’s broader innovation ecosystem.
Built for Irvine's Innovation Economy
Irvine is home to world-class talent, leading educational institutions, globally recognized companies, and a diverse base of innovation-driven industries. The Center will support entrepreneurs and businesses across industries and at every stage of growth, from early-stage founders to established companies seeking opportunities to innovate, expand, or collaborate. The Center will also provide specialized programming and resources aligned with industries positioned to drive Irvine’s future economic growth:
- Healthcare Innovation and Medical Technologies
- Life sciences, biotechnology, and medical devices
- Enabling and Creative Technologies
- Gaming, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, etc.
- Next-Generation Defense Technology
- Advanced autonomous systems, cybersecurity, aerospace, etc.
- Climate Transition & Decarbonization Technologies
- Mobility, cleantech software, alternative vehicles, etc.
Help Shape Irvine's Innovation Future
Interested in connecting with the Center?
Complete the Interest Form to tell us about yourself, your organization, and how you would like to engage. Whether you are an entrepreneur seeking support, an investor or mentor interested in sharing expertise, an organization exploring sponsorship/partnership opportunities, or a business looking to connect with Irvine’s innovation ecosystem, we want to hear from you.