While some big tech firms like Google, Toyota, and Facebook are building new tech hubs, startup and business incubators are a major part of the innovation economy of the Inland Empire. Here’s a list of ten-plus business incubators in the Inland Empire.

1. 4th Sector Innovations – Ontario

Popularly known as ‘4th SI’ in the local startup ecosystem, the 4th Sector Innovations is a startup incubator that offers a large range of innovation and entrepreneurship services. From business support and community events to Commerce and Logistics Startup Program, the incubator was founded by Kevin Meredith to help local startups with their acceleration needs. You can check out the Podcast we did with Kevin Meredith. Also, we keep you updated with all the developments, like the 2021 Inaugural State of Entrepreneurship Address held at 4th Sector Innovations.

2. EPIC SBDC

The EPIC SBDC program by UC Riverside provides “individualized support to early-stage tech entrepreneurs and companies in the Inland Empire to grow their businesses at no cost.”

It helps by providing consulting, training, funding, loans and grants, and commercialization support. It supports startups throughout the early stages of R&D, MVP, establishing sales channels, strategic partnerships, and regulatory affairs.

To become an EPIC SBDC client, you should contact Scott Brovsky, an angel investor, startup mentor, and the Associate Director of Regional Engagement and EPIC SBDC at UC Riverside.

3. ExCITE

ExCITE was set up by a collaboration between business leaders, the City and County of Riverside, and the University of California Riverside. It aims to accelerate startup companies engaged in entrepreneurial research and developing advanced technologies.

We have covered the details of ExCITE riverside program structure and their key resource, “the startup toolbox,” which includes Legal, financial, and accounting support. Plus, you will also get to know about the startups graduating from there.

4. Blackstone Launchpad

The Blackstone launchpad provides entrepreneurship training to help startup founders to build thriving companies and careers. 

From annual conferences and pitch competitions to fellowship and demo day presentations, it is actively engaged in building successful startups.

Check our post on the latest updates about the Blackstone Launchpad, including their partnerships and the details of their mission of infusing entrepreneurship as a career path.

5. Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center

The Youth Innovation Center (YIC) is the City of Riverside’s newest community center. It offers free and fee-based services to startups in computer science, robotics, engineering, arts, electronics, and technology. Our detailed post on Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center explains the programs and activities it offers to support the startup ecosystem in Inland Empire.

6. Palm Springs Innovation Hub (iHub)

The Palm Springs Innovation Hub (iHub) provides startup support to early-stage businesses in renewable energy, health and medicine, and digital technology. It is managed by the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) and is a state-designed business incubator funded by the city of Palm Springs and Wells Fargo. Until now, it has accelerated four residents and 11 virtual companies.

7. The Innovation Lab – City of Riverside

The innovation lab is the initiative by the City of Riverside that aims to promote innovation through the commercial launch of project-based controlled solutions. The idea is to promote innovation across government services.

8. The Life Science Incubator – UCR

The Life Sciences Incubator by UC Riverside got $2.5 million from Economic Development Administration or EDA to set up an entrepreneurial life sciences incubator.

9. The Inland SoCal Link iHub – Riverside County

The iHubs leverage research parks, technology incubators, and universities to help startups. The Innovation Hub (iHub) program aims to harness and enhance California’s startup ecosystem. It helps new companies by providing an innovation platform for startup companies. Read more about the Six Innovative Technologies Awarded Grants By Inland SoCal Link iHub

10. Murrieta Genomics

It is an incubator offering dedicated bench space to startups at zero cost, helping them to define their business model and validate their science. The incubator becomes an investor once the company “graduates” from the incubator. It is located in the Murrieta Innovation Center in Southern California.

11. Other Startup Incubators

• Office of Research and Economic Development at UC Riverside (OASIS)

• Mind and Mill Startup Accelerator

Related Posts:

The National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps (I-Corps™) program is an experiential education program supported by the National Science Foundation. It helps researchers gain valuable insight into entrepreneurship, starting a business, or industry requirements and challenges. Read more about the benefits NSF I-Corps provides to entrepreneurs here

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