Innovation Month 2026

“It brings me great joy to recognize Riverside County Innovation Month for the 9th year, where we celebrate the bold ideas and technological advancements that are transforming Riverside County. Innovation drives progress, and I’m excited to see how our residents and local entrepreneurs are shaping a brighter, more resilient future for our county. Let’s continue to embrace new ideas and work together to make Riverside County a leader in innovation!”

- Riverside County Board Chair Karen Spiegel

“April’s Innovation Month highlights Riverside County’s innovators, celebrating creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and exciting regional pitch competitions!”

— Kim Wright, Economic Development Manager, Riverside County Office of Economic Development

Innovation Month: April 2026

Innovation Month is brought to you by the County of Riverside Office of Economic Development, the University of California, Riverside, the Riverside Community College District, many cities, educational institutions, private businesses, and related organizations to bring awareness to the many areas of innovation and entrepreneurship in the County.

During the month of April, entrepreneurs and business startups have opportunity to pitch their product or service at a regional fast pitch for a chance at winning cash prizes. For a list of events, scroll down below.

Startup World Cup Finale November 6, 2026

Riverside County Office of Economic Development is taking Innovation Month to the global stage through an exciting partnership with Startup World Cup and Human Bulb. Local startups have the chance to compete for a $1,000,000 equity investment at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in November 2026.

Entrepreneurs are invited to participate in a regional fast pitch competition, where they’ll present their ideas to investors, business leaders, and elected officials. The Pitch Finale winner will go on to represent Riverside County at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale, competing alongside top startups from around the world!

*For additional details, Click Here.

Upcoming Regional Fast Pitch Events

Southwest Regional Fast Pitch (MIC/Southwest Partners)

4/14/2026

Apply
Northwestern Regional Fast Pitch (UCR ExCITE)

4/16/2026

Apply
Hemet/San Jacinto Regional Fast Pitch

4/20/2026

Please contact Benigno Sandoval at BSandoval@hemetca.gov with any questions.

Apply
Norco / Corona Regional Fast Pitch (Tech Bridge)

4/20/2026

Apply
Coachella Valley Regional Fast Pitch (Palm Desert ERC)

4/21/2026

Event Registration - Click Here

Apply
Riverside County FINALE

4/29/2026

Apply

Upcoming Events

SelectUSA Spinoff

April 29-30, 2026
Riverside County, CA

Get Tickets

Murrieta Innovation Center Grand Re-Opening

April 20, 2026
26442 Beckman Court, Murrieta, 92562

RSVP

Coachella Valley Business Conference & Economic Forecast

April 30, 2026
Indio, CA

Get Tickets

9

Innovation/Incubator Centers

8

Years of Celebrating
Innovation Month

2.49

Million Population

1,222,586

Labor Force

Join us in April.
Make your ideas a reality.

View Past Innovation Month Videos

What to Expect During Innovation Month

We create opportunities that grow ideas.

Innovation Month is brought to you by the County of Riverside Office of Economic Development, the University of California, Riverside, the Riverside Community College District, many cities, educational institutions, private businesses, and related organizations to bring awareness to the many areas of innovation and entrepreneurship in the County.

During the month of April, entrepreneurs and business startups have opportunity to pitch their product or service at a regional fast pitch for a chance at winning cash prizes and this year, we're taking things global!

Learn More