Landmark Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center Launches in Irvine
The City of Irvine has announced the launch of the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, a new 25,000-square-foot hub designed to support startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and business organizations. Located at 510 Technology Drive in Irvine’s Healthcare Corridor, the Center will offer office and laboratory coworking space alongside business services that help companies launch, grow, and scale.
A New Hub for Innovation
The Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship is among the first initiatives of its kind in the region, with a municipal government leading the development of an innovation ecosystem through partnerships with private organizations, philanthropic supporters, and federal funding.
The Center aligns with the City’s Economic Development Blueprint by bringing together talent, capital, business resources, and strategic partnerships in one location to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
“The Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship represents an intentional, generational investment in our City’s future,” said Mayor Larry Agran. “By investing in the people, partnerships, and ideas that drive innovation, we’re creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, strengthening our economy, and helping position Irvine for continued leadership in ingenuity and economic development.”
Designed to Help Businesses Grow
Built around the concept of “one place to start, many ways to grow,” the Center will serve as a single access point for entrepreneurs seeking support throughout every stage of business development.
Planned services include:
- Business concierge services
- Coordinated business advising
- Access to funding opportunities
- Educational programs and workshops
- Flexible office and laboratory workspace
- Innovation labs
- Strategic partnerships with regional organizations
“The future of innovation depends on collaboration,” said Karin Koch, Director of Economic Development for the City of Irvine. “The Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship leverages Irvine’s strengths and brings together the people, organizations, and resources innovators need to succeed.”
Strong Network of Partners
Several organizations will help deliver services from the Center at launch.
Initial partners include the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which will provide business advising, navigation, and educational programming, and American Lending Center, offering expertise in government-backed financing programs, including SBA 7(a) loans and State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) financing.
The City also plans to collaborate with the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, accelerator programs, educational institutions, workforce development organizations, and additional regional partners to expand entrepreneurial support.
Public and Private Investment
The project is backed by approximately $7.7 million in external investments, including a $1 million federal appropriation, private donations from the Stella and John Foundation, contributions from American Lending Center, and tenant improvement support from Irvine Company.
These partnerships are intended to maximize the impact of public investment while creating a long-term resource for the regional innovation community.
“The Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship represents an investment in the innovators and problem-solvers whose ideas will help shape our future,” said John Shen, Board Member of the Stella and John Foundation. “The Stella and John Foundation is proud to support this vision because the benefits of innovation extend far beyond individual companies.”
Construction and tenant improvements are expected to begin in Fall 2026, with the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2027.
Project Timeline
Construction and tenant improvements are expected to begin in Fall 2026, with the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2027.
