Launched in 2015, this campus-wide resource is designed to support research-based entrepreneurship. Inventors and student entrepreneurs can get expert guidance on early-stage technologies, commercialization strategies, and startup creation. With years of industry experience, EIRs are available to help define the market case, build business models, advise on fundraising, and solve other common challenges.
We strive to curate cohorts that are representative of the diverse communities that they support and engage with. Improving outcomes with and enhancing access for entrepreneurs and innovators from historically marginalized communities is paramount to the success of the EIR program and ultimately to the mission of OIC at UC San Diego. For more information, visit Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Research Affairs.
Learn more about our National Security Entrepreneurs-in-Residence.
These EIRs are listed because they remain active and available for contact from UC San Diego Entrepreneurs and Innovation centers. Please reach out directly and contact eirprogram@ucsd.edu if you encounter any technical issues with email bounce back.
Each year, we anticipate opportunities for 5-10 entrepreneurs from September through July for that particular academic year. Successful EIRs must be able to commit time, energy, and advising insight to teams within our innovation ecosystem. In practice, this can mean spending time at office hours to meet with entrepreneurs or inventors, speaking at events, serving as a judge for competitions, or lecturing for certificate or bootcamp courses. The fact is that this is an open-ended approach for EIRs with well defined outcomes - the formation of start-ups at UC San Diego.
The EIR program is designed to accelerate new venture creation in San Diego. This is a hands-on program that partners alumni and other seasoned entrepreneurs with campus innovators to develop new startups.
EIRs have access to a portfolio of high-potential opportunities, resources, people and programs. You’ll have significant autonomy to develop commercialization strategies, consult with campus innovators, and contribute to the entrepreneurial culture. Depending on your interests, you might:
EIRs will be asked to report quarterly on the progress of opportunities, engagement with campus resources, and other community-building activities. You’ll also engage with fellow EIRs and campus innovation leaders as a domain expert.
You’ll also receive an initial campus orientation, access to licensing staff and invention portfolios, and introductions to university resources, entrepreneurs, and researchers. Other perks include free access to special events, invitations to private industry/university functions, and inclusion on university-wide committees for advancing the development of the innovation ecosystem.
We find that many entrepreneurs don’t want a lot of hand-holding, but we’ll be here to make your life easier however we can! This also includes a special permit addition for your purchased parking pass that allows greater access to campus on official university business.
The National Security Entrepreneurs in Residence (NS-EIR) was launched in May 2022 to expand the current EIR Program to entrepreneurs with National Security experience. Each participant was selected based on their experience in the National Security sector, professional network, technical expertise, and current leadership role in the commercial sector. Learn more about the NS-EIR focus.
