News

AI Innovation Challenge: Interview with Leland Bartikofsky and Cristian Mendoza

AI Innovation Challenge: Interview with Leland Bartikofsky and Cristian Mendoza

In Fall 2024, the **UCI ANTrepreneur Center** launched its **AI Innovation Course**, culminating in **Demo Day**, where students showcased AI-driven projects. Among them, **Clera**, an AI-powered financial advisor by **Leland Bartikofsky** (Political Science) and **Cristian Mendoza** (Computer Science, Business Administration), aims to make investment advice **affordable and accessible** for $15/month. In an interview with **Director Ryan Foland**, they shared how the course shaped their vision and helped refine Clera’s AI-driven approach. Read the full interview on our **News webpage** and stay connected with the **ANTrepreneur Center** for more student success stories.

ANTrepreneur Center’s AI Innovation Challenge Team Qualifies for Hult Prize Nationals

ANTrepreneur Center’s AI Innovation Challenge Team Qualifies for Hult Prize Nationals

The UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center proudly announces that a team led by Nathan Wong has advanced to the national Hult Prize competition, underscoring the center's commitment to blending academic learning with real-world business challenges. This team, known for their innovative health and wellness platform, reflects the center's mission to equip students with tools and mentorship for entrepreneurial success. Stay tuned for more from the ANTrepreneur Center, including upcoming events like the Y Combinator + ANTrepreneur Center Startup Course Demo Day and the Side Hustle Challenge in Spring Quarter 2025.

Side Hustler Stories: Interview with Noah Conger of OC Melodies Music Studio

Side Hustler Stories: Interview with Noah Conger of OC Melodies Music Studio

In this edition of Side Hustler Stories, Director Ryan Foland explores the entrepreneurial spirit of UC Irvine Economics student Noah Conger. Delve into how Noah's passion for music led him to found OC Melodies Music Studio, overcoming challenges and embracing the joys of teaching piano. Discover his insights on entrepreneurship, music education, and the personal growth that comes from running a side hustle while studying.

Announcing the Choi Family Endowed ANTrepreneur Center Scholarship: Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

Announcing the Choi Family Endowed ANTrepreneur Center Scholarship: Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

UC Irvine proudly introduces the Choi Family Endowed ANTrepreneur Center Scholarship, thanks to alumni Carol and Eugene Choi. This initiative offers $3,000 awards to students demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, particularly in family businesses. Carol Choi states, "We hope to reduce financial burdens and foster entrepreneurial talents

SJF Repair Center Launches at UCI ANTrepreneur Center: Fostering Sustainable Innovation

SJF Repair Center Launches at UCI ANTrepreneur Center: Fostering Sustainable Innovation

The SJF Repair Center, launched in collaboration with the UCI ANTrepreneur Center and Sustainable and Just Future at UCI, provides students with tools and resources to repair and upcycle clothing. This initiative fosters sustainability, promotes a circular economy, and equips students with valuable skills through workshops and hands-on learning opportunities.

Nominee of the Rocky™ Founders Choice Award: Ryan Foland, Driving Innovation and Authentic Entrepreneurship

Nominee of the Rocky™ Founders Choice Award: Ryan Foland, Driving Innovation and Authentic Entrepreneurship

Ryan Foland, Director of the UCI ANTrepreneur Center, has been recognized as a nominee for the prestigious Rocky™ Founders Choice Award. Known for driving innovation and fostering authentic entrepreneurship, Ryan empowers founders by helping them build fundable ventures. Through impactful programs, mentorship, and sustainable startup initiatives, Ryan has made a significant impact in the startup ecosystem, supporting students and entrepreneurs across Orange County and beyond.

Professor Larry Wilk, Faculty Director of UC Irvine's ANTrepreneur Center, shares insights on his goals for supporting student entrepreneurship.
Meet Our Faculty Director: Interview with Professor Larry Wilk

Meet Our Faculty Director: Interview with Professor Larry Wilk

UC Irvine’s ANTrepreneur Center proudly announces Professor Larry Wilk as its new Faculty Director. With extensive experience at The Walt Disney Company and UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, Professor Wilk aims to foster student entrepreneurship through new initiatives, including the Venture Capital Immersion Program and the “Into the Metaverse” course.

From UC Irvine to Digital Innovation: Payal Lohia’s Entrepreneurial Insights

From UC Irvine to Digital Innovation: Payal Lohia’s Entrepreneurial Insights

At the UCI ANTrepreneur Center, we celebrate entrepreneurs like Payal Lohia, a UC Irvine alumna, digital innovation expert, and founder of HHQueen. With nearly 20 years of experience driving growth for major companies, Payal shares her entrepreneurial journey, her passion for giving back to the UC Irvine community, and her advice for aspiring student entrepreneurs. From launching her own startup to leading alumni chapters, Payal exemplifies the power of innovation, resilience, and community.

Scott Ford, CEO of SparkRockets, speaking about the new partnership with UC Irvine's ANTrepreneur Center for the AI Innovation Course.
UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center Announces New Sponsor: SparkRockets

UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center Announces New Sponsor: SparkRockets

UC Irvine’s ANTrepreneur Center proudly announces SparkRockets as the official sponsor for the Fall 2024 AI Innovation Course. This collaboration will provide students with SparkRockets’ AI-driven co-pilot, enabling them to rapidly validate and develop business ideas. Scott Ford, SparkRockets’ CEO, discusses the platform's capabilities and the partnership's potential impact on student entrepreneurship.

Moulayna Johnson Sidi Baba, UCI student and basketball player, balancing her roles in the MSWE program and as a women’s basketball team member.
ANTrepreneur, Grad Student, & Basketball Guard Moulayna Johnson Sidi Baba on UC Irvine’s Historic Season

ANTrepreneur, Grad Student, & Basketball Guard Moulayna Johnson Sidi Baba on UC Irvine’s Historic Season

UC Irvine's Master of Software Engineering program welcomes Moulayna Johnson Sidi Baba, a standout basketball player with a passion for technology. Discover how she balances her dual pursuits of athletics and software engineering while setting new goals for her future beyond the court.

Tanis Sarbatananda holding his electric guitar, showcasing his musical side hustle.
Side Hustler Stories: Interview with Tanis Sarbatananda

Side Hustler Stories: Interview with Tanis Sarbatananda

UC Irvine’s Side Hustle Challenge empowers students to turn passions into real ventures. In this Side Hustler Stories interview, Ryan Foland, Director of the ANTrepreneur Center, talks with Tanis Sarbatananda, an Informatics student who is building a unique musical content creation brand. From music production to expanding his brand into sports and fitness, Tanis shares his journey and vision for the future.

From AI Innovation to Startup Success: Arjun Dabir Keynotes This Year’s Fall AI Innovation Course Kickoff

From AI Innovation to Startup Success: Arjun Dabir Keynotes This Year’s Fall AI Innovation Course Kickoff

"Arjun Dabir, UCI student and founder of Zotsites, shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey from the AI Innovation Challenge to founding a platform that helps students access campus resources. Now, he returns as the keynote speaker for this year’s AI Innovation Challenge Kickoff."

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Expanding Ramen Access at UCI: New Collaboration Between Choi Ramen and the UCI Basic Needs Center

Expanding Ramen Access at UCI: New Collaboration Between Choi Ramen and the UCI Basic Needs Center

UCI ANTrepreneur Center announces the expansion of its collaboration with Choi Ramen to the UCI Basic Needs Center, offering free ramen to students facing food insecurity. This partnership supports students’ well-being and entrepreneurial success through essential resources and new opportunities.