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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.
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.
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
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.
Where is the ANTrepreneur Center?
We are located in the Banning House, next to Undergraduate Undeclared and Disability Services