Innovation Centers
UCR’s SBIR/STTR Resource Center
The UC Riverside SBIR/STTR Resource Center helps small businesses and university researchers secure federal funding to advance innovative research and development. Partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and in partnership with UCR’s EPIC Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Center provides hands-on support navigating the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Services include identifying funding opportunities, interpreting program requirements, connecting with program officers, and guiding proposal development and commercialization strategies. The Center also offers educational programs open to all innovators and entrepreneurs.
Southern California Energy Innovation Network (SCEIN) powered by UCR EPIC | Accelerator
The Southern California Energy Innovation Network (SCEIN) is a no-cost program supporting energy startups in San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial counties. Managed by Cleantech San Diego, SCEIN connects emerging companies with regional resources and industry experts to accelerate the commercialization of technologies that help California achieve its clean energy goals.
ExCITE powered by UCR EPIC | Incubator
ExCITE Riverside is a nonprofit incubator (501c3) dedicated to supporting high-tech startups through co-working space, mentoring, workshops, and networking. Located in Downtown Riverside, ExCITE is a collaboration among the City of Riverside, County of Riverside, and UC Riverside’s Office of Technology Partnerships. This unique public-private partnership unites business leaders, academia, and community resources to help entrepreneurs thrive.
UC Riverside’s Life Science Incubator | Incubator
Located on the UCR campus, the Life Sciences Incubator is a fully equipped wet lab and collaborative workspace supporting startups in life sciences, agriculture, medical technology, and clean innovation.
As the only incubator of its kind in the Inland Empire, it provides entrepreneurs access to state-of-the-art equipment, university resources, expert mentoring, and clear pathways to funding. It empowers local innovators to grow transformative companies close to home.
TVE2 - Temecula Valley Entrepreneurs Exchange | Incubator – Together with IECE/ERC at TVE2
The Temecula Valley Entrepreneurs Exchange (TVE2) is a business incubator and regional resource center dedicated to fostering innovation and economic vitality in Southwest Riverside County.
TVE2 provides early-stage companies with access to technology, professional resources, and a strong network of community partners. Its mission is to connect people and ideas with the knowledge and support needed to drive regional economic growth.
Inland Empire Tech Bridge
Anchored by Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, the Inland Empire Tech Bridge sits among a growing innovation ecosystem. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division’s strategic partnerships with academia, government and industry support the command’s mission of performance and readiness assessment, measurement science and calibration, and range systems engineering for live, virtual, constructive training.
Crucible Ignitor | Incubator
Funded by the NavalX Inland Empire Tech Bridge and powered by FedTech, Crucible Ignitor is a startup studio that matches federally or university developed technologies with entrepreneurial teams.
The program promotes dual use technology commercialization, helping teams form new companies, license innovations, and develop solutions for both government and private markets. Entrepreneurs work closely with inventors, technology transfer experts, and advisors throughout the process.Crucible Accelerator | Accelerator
The Crucible Accelerator, in partnership with the NavalX Inland Empire Tech Bridge, is a no cost, no equity 10 week program that supports startup growth across the United States.
Inspired by the U.S. Marines’ Crucible challenge, the program provides mentorship, resources, and opportunities to build strategic partnerships within the Department of Defense ecosystem. It helps entrepreneurs scale their ventures and tackle real world challenges.
Murrieta Innovation Center
The Murrieta Innovation Center is Southwest Riverside County’s premier life sciences incubator, established by the City of Murrieta to support entrepreneurs and startups in the region.
The MIC strengthens the local life sciences ecosystem by combining laboratory space, business development support, and access to capital under one roof.
Murrieta Genomics is dedicated to finding those answers and advancing the use of genomic sequencing in precision medicine, agriculture, forensics, veterinary and direct to consumer applications by offering entrepreneurs access to specialized equipment, know-how and mentors that can transform research into commercial enterprise.
Murrieta Genomics is offering dedicated bench space to fledgling companies at basically zero cost, helping them to define their business model and validate their science, and then investing in the companies that “graduate” the incubator.
Palm Desert ERC
Anchored by the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship and the Randall W. Lewis School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Palm Desert ERC serves as a regional hub for business development.
The center offers training, counseling, and co-working and incubation spaces for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It also hosts programs like the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center (CVWBC), which provides hands-on business support across the region.
Pass Area Biz Hub
A new regional hub, opened late 2025, supports entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Pass Area through training, collaboration, and resource access in collaboration with the City of Beaumont and Mt. San Jacinto College.
SoCal OASIS Park | Innovation Center (Opening Early 2027)
Set to open in early 2027, SoCal OASIS Park will serve as a premier innovation center bringing together research, entrepreneurship, and sustainability driven industries in one integrated campus.
