300+ Leaders Gather to Celebrate New Hub Connecting Entrepreneurs, Capital, Talent, and Global Opportunities
IRVINE— The City of Irvine took a major step toward shaping its next era of economic growth on July 28, hosting a preview event and news conference for the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. More than 300 leaders from government, business, higher education, investment organizations, and community groups gathered at the future site of the center, located at 510 Technology Drive, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92618, to celebrate a project city officials describe as a pivotal investment in Irvine’s economic transformation.
Located in Irvine’s Healthcare Corridor, the approximately 25,000-square-foot innovation hub is designed to become a “one front door” for entrepreneurs, startups, investors, researchers, and strategic partners. The center will provide a range of resources, including business advising, entrepreneurship support, capital connections, educational programs, coworking space, innovation labs, and industry partnerships.
Expected to open in April 2027, the center represents one of the region’s first efforts led by a municipal government to build a comprehensive innovation ecosystem through collaboration among the public sector, federal partners, private donors, and regional business organizations.
The project aligns with Irvine’s Economic Development Blueprint, which focuses on expanding high-wage employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation-driven industries.
Mayor Agran: Irvine’s Economy Is Entering a New Chapter
Irvine Mayor Larry Agran said the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center represents a significant investment in the city’s future and a new stage in Irvine’s economic evolution.
“The creation of this center brings innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and strategic partners together under one roof,” Agran said. “It will help create new businesses and marks an important transition in Irvine’s growth and development.”
Agran noted that real estate development played a central role in Irvine’s economic success for decades, but the city is now moving toward a more technology-driven economy focused on innovation, startups, emerging companies, and high-growth industries.
He said the center will help create new jobs, encourage the development of new products and services, and strengthen Irvine’s position as one of America’s leading innovation cities.
Congressman Dave Min: $1 Million Federal Investment to Strengthen Innovation Ecosystem
Congressman Dave Min (CA-47) secured $1 million in federal funding to support the development of the center.
Min said Irvine and Orange County have long benefited from a strong foundation of research, higher education, innovation, and entrepreneurship, making the region one of the most dynamic economies in the nation.
“But we cannot take these advantages for granted,” Min said.
He said the goal of the center is to help more companies launch and grow in Irvine while ensuring the region remains competitive in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, engineering, and advanced technology.
“When the world looks at innovative companies, we want Irvine and Orange County to be recognized as an important part of the global innovation landscape,” Min said.
As a former business law professor and entrepreneur, Min said the project holds special significance because he understands firsthand the challenges entrepreneurs face and the importance of creating a strong support system.
Councilmember Melinda Liu: Supporting Entrepreneurs and Expanding Access
Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu highlighted the important role of entrepreneurs, particularly within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, in driving innovation and economic growth.
She said the new center will serve as a platform connecting entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors, and business resources, helping transform ideas into successful ventures.
“The goal is not only to provide a space, but to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, understand government processes, access resources, and turn their ideas into real businesses,” Liu said.
She added that the city is developing future services and plans to work with ethnic chambers of commerce and community organizations. The center is also expected to provide multilingual support to help entrepreneurs and investors who may face language barriers participate more fully in the innovation ecosystem.
John Shen Pledges $3 Million: “Investing in Entrepreneurs Is Investing in the Community”
As a key partner, John Shen, founder of American Lending Center and founder of the Stella and John Foundation, announced a commitment of $3 million over three years to support the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center.
Shen said the city has already made significant investments in the project, but building a truly impactful innovation ecosystem requires collaboration among government, businesses, and community partners.
A longtime entrepreneur himself, Shen shared his personal journey of experiencing both success and failure.
“Entrepreneurship is the greatest teacher in the world and one of the most powerful journeys of personal growth,” Shen said. “It forces people to become stronger, more resilient, more disciplined, and better problem-solvers.”
He said that while investing in a company may or may not bring financial returns, investing in entrepreneurs creates broader social value.
“Investing in entrepreneurs is investing in building a stronger community,” Shen said.
$7.7 Million in External Support to Build Innovation Platform
According to the City of Irvine, the center will receive approximately $7.7 million in external investment support, including:
- $1 million in federal funding
- Private donations from the Stella and John Foundation
- Support from American Lending Center
- Tenant improvement support from Irvine Company
The center will also collaborate with organizations including the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, educational institutions, workforce development organizations, and other regional partners.
Building Irvine’s Next Generation of Innovation
With the launch of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, Irvine is taking another step in its transition from a technology-focused business hub into a global innovation destination.
The center is expected to provide entrepreneurs with the resources needed to launch, grow, and scale companies while attracting new investment, talent, and ideas to the region.
City leaders and community partners say the vision is clear: create a place where innovation can thrive, where entrepreneurs can find support, and where the next generation of companies can begin their journey — right here in Irvine.
