The ANTrepreneur Center at the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) is proud to announce that its director, Ryan Foland, has been nominated for the prestigious Orange County Business Journal (OCBJ) Innovator of the Year Award. This annual award honors individuals and organizations across Orange County that demonstrate exceptional innovation and leadership and recognizes those who are creating game-changing products and services.
About Ryan Foland
Ryan has been an integral part of UC Irvine for over a decade, dedicating his career to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the university and the broader community. His tenure at UC Irvine is marked by numerous impactful initiatives that have significantly contributed to the local innovation ecosystem.
Michael Dennin, Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, Dean of the Division of Undergraduate Education, and Professor of Physics and Astronomy, praised Ryan’s contributions, saying:
“Ryan’s effort in building the entrepreneurial community on and off campus has been nothing short of impressive. His innovative collaborations and the creation of a supportive environment where student entrepreneurs can thrive lay the foundation for the dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem that exists in Irvine.”
Key Initiatives and Achievements
Ryan’s nomination is a testament to his extensive body of work, which includes several key initiatives, including:
Micro-Internship Program: The Self-Starter Micro-Internship Program, conceptualized and launched by Ryan, has attracted over 2,500 students and has matched more than 150 micro-internships with local startups and businesses. These internships provide students with practical, paid work experiences that enhance their skills and build strong ties with the local business community.
Irvine Tech Week: Ryan is one of the core organizers of Irvine Tech Week, a major week-long event series that has become a highlight on the regional tech calendar. Irvine Tech Week (now in its second year) boasted 25 events, showcasing the vibrant innovation in Irvine by bringing together various elements of the tech and business ecosystems, drawing significant participation from industry leaders, investors, and technology professionals.
Collaborations with Key Organizations: Ryan’s efforts have also led to strategic collaborations with key organizations such as the Blackstone LaunchPad, Tech Coast Angels Venture Group, Tech Coast Venture Network, OC Startup Business Council, and SCORE. These collaborations provide students with access to valuable resources, mentorship, and venture capital networks, significantly enhancing their entrepreneurial education and startup opportunities.
Y-School Class at UCI ANTrepreneur Center: In an unprecedented collaboration, the UCI ANTrepreneur Center partnered with Y-Combinator, one of the most prestigious startup accelerators in the world, to launch the Y-School Class, Anteater to ANTrepreneur. This innovative program marks the first-ever partnership of its kind between a university and Y-Combinator, designed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. The course provides UC Irvine students with unparalleled access to Y-Combinator’s resources, YC guest speakers, mentorship, and venture capital networks, significantly enhancing their entrepreneurial education and startup opportunities.
SoCal Celebrates Entrepreneurship: Ryan is on the executive committee of this major annual event that brings together diverse stakeholders from Southern California’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. His efforts facilitate networking, highlight local entrepreneurial achievements, and provide a platform for showcasing innovative startups. Additionally, Ryan helped raise funds for the event which drew over 600 attendees and ran the fast pitch event, engaging stakeholders from local colleges.
DTEI Entrepreneurial Faculty Advisor Program: Recognizing the importance of integrating entrepreneurship education across academic disciplines, Ryan initiated and developed this Entrepreneurial Faculty Advisor Program to engage faculty in fostering a culture of innovation among students. This initiative empowers faculty members to infuse entrepreneurial thinking into their curricula, impacting the broader educational experience at UC Irvine.
Community Service and Sustainability Leadership
Ryan’s contributions also extend to community service and sustainability:
Community Service in STEM Education: Ryan has been instrumental in a STEM-based program in Irvine, called MIRE, the Medical Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship program. Created through a partnership between University Lab Partners and CHOC hospital, it aims to cultivate medical technology talent among high school students. This program bridges the educational gap between secondary education and high-tech sectors by providing real-world STEM applications and preparing students for careers in high-demand fields. Ryan’s dedication was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award by AmeriCorps, recognizing his efforts to strengthen the community through volunteer service.
Sustainability Leadership: Ryan received an award from the United Nations Association of Orange County for his leadership in integrating sustainability into UC Irvine’s curriculum. Through interdisciplinary innovation challenges, he encourages students to develop solutions addressing global challenges, thereby promoting sustainable practices across various academic disciplines.
Tom Andriola, Vice Provost of Data and Information Technology at UC Irvine, remarked:
“Ryan’s superpower is finding ways to help people work together. He builds on Irvine’s thriving startup ecosystem to fire up the innovation community. His energy and optimistic outlook on the potential within people and organizations help inspire entrepreneurs to be their best.”
Beyond UC Irvine: Ryan’s Broader Impact
In addition to his work at UC Irvine, Ryan is a sought-after keynote speaker, consultant, and media coach, known for his expertise in helping executives build their brands and making companies more relatable. He is an author and brand consultant who teaches entrepreneurs and executives how to grow their influence. His 3-1-3® Method uncovers core brand messaging to make for more impactful business communications. Ryan has three top-ranked podcasts, is a four-time TEDx speaker, and has been featured nationally in Forbes, Fortune, Inc., Entrepreneur. His award-winning book, Ditch the Act, teaches leaders how to get ahead in business by simply being human. He is also a high-energy emcee, frequently seen on startup event stages and at startup and technology conferences, where he shares his insights on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Ryan’s Reflections and Future Aspirations
Ryan expressed his gratitude for the nomination, stating:
“I’m honored to be recognized for the work that we have done to help spark innovation through collaboration, creativity, and good old-fashioned hard work. It’s energizing to work with so many people on and off campus who have a similar passion for igniting the entrepreneurial spirit and supporting individuals focused on solving real-world problems.”
Upcoming Awards Ceremony
This year’s Innovator of the Year award nominees include distinguished leaders and trailblazers from various sectors within Orange County, all making significant contributions to the local innovation landscape. The competition celebrates those driving forward-thinking solutions in their respective fields. Among the nominees affiliated with UCI are Ryan Foland; Patrick Johnson, Executive Chairman of the Board & Chief Innovation Officer of BioPhotas and a UCI Roundtable member; Anoosheh Oskouian, President & CEO of Ship & Shore Environmental Inc. and also a UCI Roundtable member; and Susan Huang, MD, MPH, UC Irvine Chancellor’s Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention at UCI Health.
The awards ceremony will be held on September 12, 2024, at the Irvine Marriott, where the winners will be announced. This event will bring together the brightest minds in Orange County to celebrate the achievements and contributions of these innovators.
Conclusion
As the ANTrepreneur Center continues to grow and evolve under Ryan’s leadership, the recognition from the OCBJ Innovator of the Year nomination serves as a testament to the impactful work being done to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within UC Irvine and the broader community. We look forward to celebrating Ryan’s achievements and the continued success of the ANTrepreneur Center at the upcoming awards ceremony.