Anteaters, let’s talk about
SUSTAINABILITY!
in this ever-changing business world …
WHY SUSTAINABILITY?
Here at the ANTrepreneur Center, we look at sustainability beyond the planet’s environmental implications. Instead, we approach the subject by keeping its all-encompassing definition in mind: “enough for everyone, forever.”
Embracing sustainability is crucial for new businesses because it helps entrepreneurs generate long-term financial returns while making a positive impact on society and the environment. Whether your startup idea is directly related to sustainable ventures or not, the idea that resources and practices must be managed in a balanced way to ensure long-term success without negatively impacting future generations still applies.
LIZZIE DUONG
Sustainability Strategist
Lizzie Duong is currently pioneering the first partnership between UCI’s ANTrepreneur Center and UCI’s Sustainability Resource Center. Lizzie prepares students and sustainable startups to identify creative, forward-looking solutions for implementing sustainability initiatives with all of the proper resources (on and off campus) to proceed with their ideas in a more environmentally friendly and financially strategic manner. Book an appointment at elizabqd@uci.edu.
If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable ventures in a fun and immersive way, click below to compete in our upcoming
SUSTAINABILITY HACKATHON!
What exactly is a Sustainability Hackathon?
A hackathon is an event where students come together to form teams, brainstorm new ideas and create innovative projects around a specific theme. The Hacking Student Success: Sustainability Challenge is a three-part series where UCI students will have the opportunity to work together and develop sustainable solutions that have the potential to make a real impact for students, UCI, and the community.
Who is eligible to apply?
With over $60,000 in prizes available, this hackathon is open to undergraduate and graduate students of all majors, and you don’t have to know how to code to participate. It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills, network with like-minded individuals, and make a difference in the world.
What are the competition tracks?
Sustainability is a very broad term, but it’s important that we begin to view sustainable enterprise through environmental, economic, and social lenses. As such, the competition offers 5 different tracks for students to compete in: energy, water, air, livable spaces, and food waste.
Where do I find help, and where do I join?
Click “Sustainability Hackathon!” above for more information on upcoming event dates, workshops, and more! If you’re looking for more resources, please stop by the ANTrepreneur Center to meet with a venture consultant or our Sustainability Strategist, Lizzie Duong.
Hey Anteaters!
To the right is a preview of a Sustainability Newsletter. To view more educational content regarding the conversation of sustainability, join the ANTrepreneur Center on Campus Groups using your UCI sign-in accounts to read weekly Sustainability Newsletters, Blogs, Articles, Research, etc.
We aim to educate and engage readers on the importance of sustainability, particularly in relation to entrepreneurship. This includes updates on the latest sustainable ventures and technologies, interviews with experts and thought leaders, and success stories of individuals and businesses making a positive impact.
If you’re interested in learning more or discussing ways to incorporate sustainability within your business models, please reach out to our Sustainability Strategist, Lizzie Duong, at elizabqd@uci.edu.
UCI ANTrepreneur Center Spearheads New UNA-OC Student Chapter to Advance Sustainability
UC Irvine’s ANTrepreneur Center, in collaboration with the United Nations Association of Orange County, has launched a pioneering student chapter aimed at advancing sustainability initiatives. This new chapter embodies the spirit of innovation and environmental stewardship, enabling students to engage in global sustainability challenges directly. Explore how this initiative is setting a new standard for sustainable entrepreneurship and student involvement at UC Irvine.
Students’ Path to Sustainability: A Recap of the ANTrepreneur Center’s Sustainability Challenge
Team Abelo from UC Irvine clinches a $20,000 victory in the ANTrepreneur Center’s Sustainability Innovation Challenge with their innovative bee health monitoring solution, setting their sights on the global Hult Prize competition.
Composting and the Business World: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Composting, hailed for its eco-friendly waste reduction and soil enrichment, faces its own challenges like insect infestations. This article delves into the nuances of composting, highlighting both its benefits for businesses in cost savings and environmental impact, and the practical realities of managing compost bins. It offers insights on maintaining a healthy compost
UCI ANTrepreneur Center to Host New Sustainability Challenge
Mark your calendars! To close out Spring Quarter 2023, the UCI ANTrepreneur Center is hosting their biggest event of the year! With over $65,000 of funding to compete for, here’s everything that students need to know about the new Hacking Student Success: Sustainability Challenge.
UNICEF’s Annual Hunger Banquet
In this article, Lizzie Duong shares her experiences as the Sustainability Strategist at UCI ANTrepreneur Center, focusing on aligning business practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She reflects on her participation in UNICEF’s Hunger Banquet, discussing the event’s powerful message on global food inequality and the role businesses play in promoting sustainable development, social equity, and environmental consciousness for a better future.
Entrepreneurship from all Walks of Life: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The article discusses the author’s experience at The D.E. Shaw Group’s Latitude Fellowship and how she learned about the importance of diversity in the workplace and its connection to sustainability progress.
PERFECTING THE CLIMATE PITCH DECK:
Beyond UCI’s ANTrepreneur Center, there are so many off- and on-campus resources, sustainability events, local businesses, panels, workshops, clubs, and competitions that you can use as resources to guide you in your own entrepreneurial ventures. If you are looking for individualized support, resource navigation, or one-on-one consultations, please reach out!
ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES
- UCI Sustainability Resource Center
- UCI Water
- Environmental Justice Collective
- The Green Initiatve Fund
- UCI FRESH Basic Needs Hub
- ASUCI Sustainability Project / Garden
- Earthreps
- Campus as a Living Lab
OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES
- Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
- Sustainable Ocean Alliance Accelerator
- E8 Cleanteach Angels Funding
- Techstars Rising Stars
- LA Bio Space
COMPETITIONS
- Stella Zhang New Venture Competition
- Architecture at Zero
- Orange County Sustainability Decathon
- Accelerate at Verge
- Startups for Semiconductor Sustainability
EVENTS and WORKSHOPS
- ANTrepreneur Center weekly workshops and daily events
- Sustainability Social
- OC Tech
- Zero Waste Ambassadors
- Sustainability Food Fair
- Cove Lunch & Learn
- TEDxUCIrvine