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What is the ANTrepreneur Center?
With a mission to help UCI students explore the process of entrepreneurship, the UCI ANTrepreneur Center serves as a hub where student entrepreneurs, or “ANTrepreneurs,” can develop the skills necessary to start, operate, or grow their own businesses. Since its establishment in 2014, the ANTrepreneur Center has offered access to resources, events, programs, and services to foster innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit in UCI’s student body.
Come to our events or just walk in to say hi!

Experience Entrepreneurship
The ANTrepreneur Center exists to serve as the home for all UCI ANTrepreneurs. It’s a safe place to bring ideas, meet other students who want to launch their own startups, find funding, connect with mentors, and learn from experts on how to navigate starting and growing a business.

One-on-One Support
With one-on-one consultation sessions, the ANTrepreneur Center is especially equipped for helping undergraduates startups. Whether you need help coming up with an idea, or taking your idea to the next level, meeting with our Venture Consultants is the perfect way to start.

The $ide Hustle Challenge
Discover how the $ide Hustle Challenge is turning student side hustles into serious business ventures. Through expert-led workshops, dedicated mentoring, and a final marketplace event, UCI students will be equipped to transform their innovative ideas into tomorrow’s leading brands.
Check out our latest blogs, interviews, and announcemtns.
Building Bridges: The SCORE Mentorship Program at the UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center
A Transformative Collaboration In 2023, the UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center initiated a collaboration with SCORE Orange County, beginning with a four-week pilot program to explore student interest in mentorship opportunities. This collaboration, designed to bring...
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
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.
Where is the ANTrepreneur Center?
We are located in the Banning House, next to Undergraduate Undeclared and Disability Services