A Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse for innovation and entrepreneurship. With a robust support system and an array of resources, UCSC’s startup ecosystem fosters the development of groundbreaking technologies and sustainable solutions. Central to this ecosystem are several key initiatives and organizations: the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development (CIED), the Society for Creative Entrepreneurship and Engineering (SCEE), GetVirtual (GV), Marketing for Good, and Tech for Good. Each of these plays a vital role in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and driving success for student startups.

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development (CIED)

CIED is the cornerstone of UCSC’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing a dynamic environment where students can transform innovative ideas into viable businesses. Led by Faculty Director Provost Manel Camps and Project Manager Nada Miljković, CIED offers workshops, mentorship programs, and access to funding opportunities, helping student entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of startup development. Manel and Nada, along with the CIED Leads team, work on the systems level to ensure comprehensive support for budding entrepreneurs. By fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration, the CIED ensures that UCSC remains at the forefront of technological and social innovation.

Entrepreneurship Club (SCEE)

SCEE is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the UCSC community. Headed by students Ishaan Bansal and Alex Aghili, the club organizes workshops and networking events that bring together students from diverse disciplines to tackle real-world challenges. SCEE’s focus on sustainable engineering solutions aligns perfectly with the university’s commitment to addressing global issues such as climate change and renewable energy.

GetVirtual (GV)

GetVirtual offers both free and paid website and social media marketing services to businesses in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara. Led by Iman Schaëfer from UCSC and Kaya Nagasaki Schubert from Santa Clara University, GV supports the local business community while training students in project management and digital marketing. Student entrepreneurs gain hands-on experience in launching and scaling clients’ projects, focusing on web integrations, website development, e-commerce store creation, and scheduling system implementation. GV also educates business owners on maintaining their platforms and nurturing their online presence. Although services are free, clients cover software and other hard costs. This practical training equips students with the skills needed to succeed in the competitive startup landscape.

Marketing for Good

Marketing for Good, spearheaded by UCSC professors Rick Vargas and Nada Miljković, focuses on promoting innovations developed by UCSC students and faculty. This initiative, which was co-created by Rick and Nada, is evolving under their guidance. The program is now being split into a basic training class (91B) and a client-interfacing class (191), similar to the structure used in Crown 95. Rick Vargas and Yuliya Monastyrska will co-teach the 91 class in the Winter, with Yuliya eventually teaching the lower division class (91B) online and Rick handling the client-interacting class (191) in person. This strategic approach, developed by Nada in collaboration with Manel, ensures that students receive comprehensive training in marketing fundamentals and practical client interaction. By attracting sponsors and partners dedicated to environmental sustainability, Marketing for Good amplifies the impact of UCSC’s entrepreneurial efforts.

Tech for Good

Led by UCSC Professor David T. Lee and his PhD students, Tech for Good develops integrated systems that combine design, modeling, and algorithms to address individual and societal needs. This initiative focuses on creating technologies that support sustainability and social impact. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing practical solutions to complex problems, Tech for Good exemplifies UCSC’s commitment to using technology for the greater good.

A Unified Effort for a Sustainable Future

The combined efforts of these initiatives create a robust support system for UCSC’s entrepreneurial community. By fostering innovation, providing practical training, and promoting sustainable solutions, UCSC’s startup ecosystem is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. By working together, students, faculty, and partners can develop and deploy technologies that ensure a sustainable future.

Join UCSC’s thriving entrepreneurial community and be part of the solution. Together, we can drive innovation, promote sustainability, and set a global example for excellence in entrepreneurship.