The ANTrepreneur Center is an open door to any student on campus curious about entrepreneurship. Through an immersive and engaging experience, students are offered resources and support to guide them from ideation to creation to the building of an entrepreneurial mindset. The lifelong skills our students develop lead to success after graduation whether they join a startup, start their own business, or pursue a more traditional career.
But we can’t do it alone.
Consider becoming a partner and join our journey.
Founder’s Circle
Starting at $50,000
By becoming a member of the Founder’s Circle, you can help cultivate student leaders and share the transformative power of skilled, innovative, and prepared graduates with your community. As a Founder’s Circle member, you also deepen your impact and learning by joining our diverse ANTrepreneur Center students in engaging experiences throughout the year.
Corporate Circle
Starting at $25,000
Benefits of ANTrepreneur Center Corporate Circle Membership includes opportunities to engage as speakers, judges, and mentors, or participate in other exciting interactive experiences. It also affords the opportunity to name a student startup award and gets you access to UCI faculty and campus leadership.
External Committee
Starting at $10,000
Members support program engagement and the development of fundraising opportunities. Members are expected to actively participate in four full ACE Committee meetings per year + two subcommittee meetings and provide advice and input to ANTrepreneur Center leadership in key areas.
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.
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.
Side Hustler Stories: Interview with Daniyal Rauf of OC Tutors
UC Irvine’s ANTrepreneur Center hosted the Side Hustle Challenge to empower students to turn passions into ventures. In this installment of Side Hustler Stories, Ryan Foland interviews Daniyal Rauf, a Biomedical Engineering student, about his STEM-focused tutoring business, OC Tutors, and his journey as a student entrepreneur.
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
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.
Interview with KMR Live: Building a Legacy Through Music
In this interview, Ryan Foland, Director of the UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center, sits down with KMR Live, a group of student music producers and content creators who share their story on how they gained over 100K followers in a year, and how you can do it too.
UC Irvine’s Side Hustler Stories: JeWan Youn and the Personalized Supplement Platform, Dosety
UC Irvine student JeWan Youn shares his entrepreneurial journey with Dosety, a personalized health supplement management platform. Learn how his passion, challenges, and support from the ANTrepreneur Center shaped his success.
UC Irvine ANTrepreneurs Spotlight: Altru’s AI-Powered Approach to College Admissions
UC Irvine students transform college admissions with Altru, an AI-powered platform born from the Side Hustle Challenge at the ANTrepreneur Center. Explore their journey to innovation and the tools that make Altru a game-changer for students.
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.