City of Irvine Secures $1 Million for the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The City of Irvine has secured $1 million in federal funding to advance plans for the Irvine Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a transformational initiative designed to serve as the front door to Irvine's innovation economy.

The funding, championed by U.S. Representative Dave Min (CA-47) through the Consolidated Appropriations Act signed into law earlier this month, will support the next phase of bringing the Center from concept to reality.

The Center will connect entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and ecosystem partners; accelerate early-stage venture development; reduce barriers to innovation-driven entrepreneurship; and expand access to capital, education, and technical resources. For the community, this means more homegrown companies creating high-wage jobs locally, more internship and career opportunities for local students, and a stronger pipeline of companies choosing to start and stay in Irvine. The funding will support the acquisition of research and development lab equipment and supplies, helping to establish a state-of-the-art environment for launching and growing technology-based companies requiring highly technical facilities while advancing high-wage job creation.

"We are grateful to Representative Dave Min for his ongoing support of our City and our economic development initiatives," said Mayor Larry Agran. "This investment fuels innovation and entrepreneurship by helping emerging companies thrive, creating jobs, and contributing to Irvine's dynamic business community.

"I'm thrilled my request for funding for the City of Irvine's Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project was passed," Representative Min said. "This funding will propel business ingenuity in our community, allowing creativity and inventiveness to flourish in Orange County."

A cornerstone of the Center will be the Accelerator, designed to advance startups in Irvine's high-growth innovation sectors and strengthen the region's position as a leading hub for startup formation, technology commercialization, and private investment. The Accelerator will help bring new solutions in areas like healthcare, sustainability, and technology to market faster, while anchoring high-quality jobs and a strong tax base that support City services, parks, and community programs.

As part of this next phase, the City is now seeking Statements of Qualifications from experienced accelerator operators - such as national or global venture accelerators - that will play a critical role in designing, launching, and managing the program. By partnering with proven operators, Irvine aims to ensure local founders receive world-class support right in their own community, reducing the need to leave the region to grow their companies.

Statements of Qualifications are due March 10. A virtual pre-proposal meeting will be held February 24 at 9 a.m. The RFQ (no. 26-3468) is available for download(link is external) on PlanetBids. Firms deemed qualified will be invited to participate in a subsequent Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

The Irvine City Council laid the groundwork for the Center on January 13, when it approved the Economic Development Blueprint for 2026-2028(link is external). The Blueprint establishes a clear roadmap for business retention, attraction, workforce development, and innovation ecosystem growth. It is part of the City's coordinated approach to delivering meaningful resources, strategic planning, and forward-looking initiatives that benefit businesses of all sizes.

Stay informed about upcoming news, events, and resources designed to support business success and innovation by subscribing to City of Irvine Economic Development updates(link is external).