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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260219T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260219T200000
DTSTAMP:20260216T214636Z
CREATED:20260216T214636Z
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UID:10000970-1771520400-1771531200@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:Startup Grind Pitch Battle Royale: San Diego
DESCRIPTION:🚀 What Is Pitch Battle Royale? The Startup Grind Pitch Battle Royale brings founders from around the world together to pitch their startups\, receive expert feedback\, and compete for cash prizes\, recognition\, and advancement to the global stage. The competition runs from February 16-March 4\, 2026. \nLocal Startup Grind chapters host the first round of competition\, where startups battle it out in one of three stages—Idea\, Development\, or Traction—for the chance to advance to the Semi Finals and Finals. \nLearn more at PitchBattleRoyale.com \nWhether you’re pitching or attending\, expect high-energy competition\, sharp ideas\, and meaningful connections. \n🧠 Who Should Apply? \nStartups compete in the stage that best matches their progress: \n\nIdea Stage – Early concepts\, validation\, or pre-MVP\nDevelopment Stage – Building\, testing\, or launching a product\nTraction Stage – Users\, revenue\, pilots\, or early scale (up to Series A)\n\nEach startup delivers: \n\nA 2-minute pitch\nUp to 3 slides\nLive Q&A and feedback from judges\n\n📌 All startup applications are submitted through:\n 👉 PitchBattleRoyale.com\n (Full rules\, eligibility\, and judging criteria available there.) \n🏆 What’s at Stake?\nLocal Chapter Prizes\nEach stage winner at the local level receives: \n\nCash prizes\nDigital swag\nLocal recognition\nComplimentary Ticket to SG Conference April 27-29\, 2026\nComplimentary Ticket to Startup Mania in Austin on March 11\, 2026\nAdvancement to the Semi-Finals\n\n🌍 Global Competition Prizes\nStartups advancing beyond the local level compete for: \n\nAdditional cash prizes\nCertificates\, medals\, and plaques\nStartup Grind exhibition packages\nGlobal exposure across the Startup Grind ecosystem\n\n📅 Competition Timeline \nSan Diego Competition\n🗓 February 19\, 2026\n🕗 5:00-8:00 PM\n 📍 UCSD\, Design & Innovation Building\, 9500 Gilman Drive\, MC 0446\, La Jolla\, CA 92093 \n \nThe Basement at UC San Diego is an innovation and entrepreneurship hub open to students from all disciplines who want to explore ideas and develop them into impactful ventures. The Basement provides mentorship\, connections with serial entrepreneurs and industry experts\, funding opportunities\, hands-on workshops\, and collaborative spaces that support every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Through its two flagship programs\, The Basement fosters creativity\, community\, and a spirit of innovation: \n\nBlackstone LaunchPad supports students actively building early-stage ventures by providing mentorship\, guidance\, and resources to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.\nInnovating for X (i4X) brings together multidisciplinary teams to tackle real-world challenges from corporate\, government\, and nonprofit partners— gaining workforce-ready experience while developing disruptive solutions.\n\nTo learn more: \nWebsite: https://thebasement.ucsd.edu/\nFollow Us: Instagram: @ucsdbasement and LinkedIn: The Basement at UC San Diego \nSemi-Finals (Virtual)\n🗓 Wednesday\, February 25\, 2026\n 🕗 8:00 AM PST  \nGlobal Finals (Virtual)\n🗓 Wednesday\, March 4\, 2026\n 🕗 8:00 AM PST  \n🎤 Attend the Event \nAttendees can expect: \n\nFast-paced startup pitches\nLive judging and feedback\nNetworking with founders and leaders\nA front-row seat to the next wave of innovation\n\n🔗 How to Get Involved \n👉 Startups\nApply to compete at PitchBattleRoyale.com\n (All competition details\, rules\, and eligibility live there.) \n👉 Attendees\nRegister to attend through this page and come cheer on your local founders. \n👉 Sponsors\nVisit our website at https://PitchBattleRoyale.com/sponsor or send an email to alexandra@startupgrind.com. \n⚔️ Ready to Enter the Arena?\nWhether you’re pitching your startup or showing up to support the ecosystem\, Startup Grind Pitch Battle Royale is where founders battle\, ideas shine\, and the next big companies take their first step onto the global stage. \n👉 Apply at PitchBattleRoyale.com
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/startup-grind-pitch-battle-royale-san-diego/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ecosystem
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2987-Jamacha-Road-El-Cajon-CA-92019-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260209T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260209T183000
DTSTAMP:20260202T171006Z
CREATED:20260202T171006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T171006Z
UID:10000946-1770656400-1770661800@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:The Future We Are Building: Innovating with Responsible AI
DESCRIPTION:​Interactive Panel Discussion – Open Community Event \n​AI is becoming part of everything we build (from products and services to infrastructure and institutions). The real question is no longer whether we use AI\, but how intentionally we design it. \n​Join We Are In AI™ in collaboration with the The Basement at UC San Diego for a Panel Discussion on what responsible AI looks like in practice\, featuring experts building it into systems\, products\, and teams. \n​We will explore how to move from theory to practice: Designing Responsible AI That Serves People\, Systems\, and the Future\, bringing together perspectives across human-centered design\, responsible AI practices\, and sustainable systems. \n​This session brings together diverse perspectives to explore how responsibility shows up across teams and decision-making\, long before AI reaches the world. \n​We’ll discuss: \n\n\n​How responsibility becomes a design choice and competitive advantage\, not a constraint \n\n\n​What it means to build AI with people\, not for them \n\n\n​Why human-centered innovation unlocks better products\, stronger trust\, and lasting value \n\n\n​This is a conversation for builders\, innovators\, and curious minds who want to move from theory to practice and understand how responsibility gets embedded into real-world AI—thoughtfully\, collaboratively\, and with purpose. \n​Who should attend (open community event): \n\n\n​Students and professionals exploring AI in design\, product\, or systems \n\n\n​Innovators who care about how technology shapes people\, society\, and creates impact \n\n\n​Anyone interested in building AI that lasts\, not just launches \n\n\n​Connect With Us \n​This panel is part of the ongoing WE ARE IN AI™ event series. We are a global network dedicated to making responsible AI and Human-Centered Innovation clear\, practical\, and achievable – connecting those who are actively building the future with intention. To learn more: Website: https://weareinai.org/ Instagram: @weareinai and LinkedIn: WE ARE IN AI \n​Special thanks to our host The Basement at UC San Diego – an innovation and entrepreneurship hub open to students from all disciplines who want to explore ideas and develop them into impactful ventures. The Basement provides mentorship\, connections with serial entrepreneurs and industry experts\, funding opportunities\, hands-on workshops\, and collaborative spaces that support every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Through its two flagship programs\, The Basement fosters creativity\, community\, and a spirit of innovation: \n\n\n​Blackstone LaunchPad supports students actively building early-stage ventures by providing mentorship\, guidance\, and resources to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey. \n\n\n​Innovating for X (i4X) brings together multidisciplinary teams to tackle real-world challenges from corporate\, government\, and nonprofit partners – gaining workforce-ready experience while developing disruptive solutions. \n\n\n​To learn more: Website: https://thebasement.ucsd.edu/ Instagram: @ucsdbasement and LinkedIn: The Basement at UC San Diego \n​📍 The Basement at UCSD – Design and Innovation Building \n​Getting to DIB: \n​https://dib.ucsd.edu/about/getting-here.html
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/the-future-we-are-building-innovating-with-responsible-ai/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ecosystem
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Future-We-Are-Building-Innovating-with-Responsible-AI-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251207T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251207T173000
DTSTAMP:20251124T184045Z
CREATED:20251124T184045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T184045Z
UID:10000892-1765123200-1765128600@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:SDx @ UC San Diego
DESCRIPTION:​​The SDx @ UC San Diego Chapter is a meetup where the best UCSD students building with AI get to share their latest experiments and projects with peers. \n​​We curate small groups for each event to make sure it’s a safe and fun place to demo and to keep the quality high. \nwe’re hosting a demo day from 4:00-5:30pm at the Basement. RSVP to meet the most ambitious builders and creators at UCSD. curious to learn more? sdxucsd.com
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/sdx-uc-san-diego/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Partner Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SDx-@-UC-San-Diego-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251123T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251123T180000
DTSTAMP:20251110T180725Z
CREATED:20251110T180725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T180725Z
UID:10000882-1763899200-1763920800@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:SDx @ UC San Diego HelixDB Hackathon
DESCRIPTION:​We’re hosting the HelixDB hackathon from 12:00–6:00 PM at The Basement. \n​Schedule: \n​12:00-12:30 – intro \n​12:30 – 5:00 – hacking \n​5:00 – 5:45 – presentations \n​5:45 – 6:00 – judges + prizes
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/sdx-uc-san-diego-helixdb-hackathon/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Partner Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SDx-@-UC-San-Diego-HelixDB-Hackathon-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250522T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250522T193000
DTSTAMP:20250519T171531Z
CREATED:20250519T171512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250519T171531Z
UID:10000646-1747931400-1747942200@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:The Basement Demo Day 2025
DESCRIPTION:The Basement’s annual Demo Day\, showcasing a fresh lineup of diverse student startups from the Blackstone LaunchPad program and groundbreaking projects from Innovating for X (i4x) is back! This year marks The Basement’s 10th anniversary so we will be celebrating in a big way. \nJoin the celebration of student entrepreneurs\, network with local innovation leaders\, hear captivating pitches as finalists vie for first\, second\, and third place\, as well as vote for the Audience Choice Award. With over $64\,000 in cash and in-kind prizes on the line\, you won’t want to miss this! \n• Startup demo tables \n• Pitch competition excitement \n• Photo booth fun \n• Tasty food and refreshments \n• Meaningful networking opportunities \n• Exciting giveaway opportunities for UC San Diego students \n• Plus\, the first 20 attendees receive a free Basement tote bag! \nREGISTRATION INFORMATION \nFor current/past Basement students/mentors/staff\, please select “Basement Affiliate” as your ticket type. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDirections to The Basement \nThis event is located on the first floor of the Design and Innovation Building (DIB). The entrances are located across from the Structural Materials and Engineering building or next to the UC San Diego Central Campus Station bus and trolley stop. \n———————— \nMTS Trolley \nThe easiest way to get to the DIB is by taking the MTS trolley UC San Diego Blue Line and getting off at the UC San Diego Central Campus stop. The trolley stop is a short 1 minute walk to the DIB. \nParking \nPublic transportation is highly recommended as parking is limited on campus (some things just don’t change even after 10 years…) If you plan to drive to campus\, please give yourself plenty of time. You can download the ParkMobile app to pay for your space digitally once you find a spot. \n\nP506 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB\nP504 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB\nP510 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB *closest to the DIB*\nGilman Parking Structure\, Southwest side of the DIB
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/the-basement-demo-day-2025/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ecosystem
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Basement-Demo-Day-2025-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250430T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250430T183000
DTSTAMP:20250421T173001Z
CREATED:20250421T173001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250421T173001Z
UID:10000608-1746030600-1746037800@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:True Talk: UC San Diego
DESCRIPTION:SDx is partnering with True Ventures to invite emergent San Diego AI founders in the SDx community to the first True Talk Session at UCSD! \nPlease join the team at early stage Silicon Valley venture capital firm True Ventures and AI startup Sailplane Founder Sam Ramji UCSD ‘94 for our next True Talk – an IRL discussion on the ups\, downs\, twists\, and turns of the entrepreneurial journey. \nWe’ll begin with a reception where you can make invaluable connections to both startup investors and experienced founders. Then True EIR and Investor Clarence Bethea will lead a fireside chat with Sam along with True’s Puneet Agarwal and rohit sharma to unpack how to turn an idea into a business strategy\, what to expect when fundraising venture capital for a startup\, the thrilling state of AI building right now\, and how challenges along the founder journey can be turned into opportunities. \nTrue Talk: UCSD April 30th\, 2025 | 4:30-6:30 PM\nThe Basement at the Innovation Center at UCSD\n9510 Innovation Ln\, La Jolla\, CA 92093 \nRSVP: https://lnkd.in/gFGd6NPS
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/true-talk-uc-san-diego/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Partner Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/True-Talk-UC-San-Diego-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250117T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250117T160000
DTSTAMP:20250113T154853Z
CREATED:20250113T154718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T154853Z
UID:10000477-1737126000-1737129600@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:Investor Fireside Series #4 featuring Brandon Hoffman
DESCRIPTION:Join Triton Ventures on January 17th from 3:00 – 4:00 pm at The Basement for an in-person fireside chat with Brandon Hoffman to talk about investing in consumer technology as well as starting and running a venture capital fund. \n​​Brandon is General Partner of Sunset Ventures\, an early-stage venture fund based in Los Angeles & San Francisco that backs founders using emerging tech to change the way everyday consumers live\, work\, and play by investing at the intersection of creativity\, mediatech\, commerce\, and fintech. Prior to Sunset\, he was an operator & investor at Samsung Next\, the software group of Samsung Electronics. He led R&D efforts for the Chief Innovation Officer around gaming\, fintech\, wellness\, AI\, and blockchain. On the venture team\, he led more than 20 early-stage venture deals. \n​​​​Triton Ventures \n​​​​Triton Ventures is a student run organization at UC San Diego that was created to educate\, inspire\, and advance student interest in venture capital. \n​​​​For more information\, visit tritonventures.org
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/investor-fireside-series-4-featuring-brandon-hoffman/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Partner Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Investor-Fireside-Series-4-featuring-Brandon-Hoffman-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250109T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250109T160000
DTSTAMP:20241230T164158Z
CREATED:20241230T164014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241230T164158Z
UID:10000453-1736431200-1736438400@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:Triton Tank
DESCRIPTION:Got a game-changing idea? Pitch it at Triton Tank! Step through our elevator prop doors and deliver your 90-second pitch to a panel of expert judges at The Basement’s version of Shark Tank. Whether you’re ready to showcase your innovation for a chance to win amazing prizes or you simply want to cheer on fellow student entrepreneurs\, don’t miss this exciting event! \nPrize List: \n\n1st Place: iPad\n2nd Place: AirPods\n3rd Place: $100 Visa Gift Card\n\nImportant Notes: Only current UC San Diego students are eligible to pitch\, but everyone is welcome to attend the event. All participants MUST register on Eventbrite. To pitch\, you must sign up in person at the event. Sign-ups will open on a first-come\, first-served basis\, and spots are limited—so if you’re eager to pitch\, be sure to arrive early! Priority will be given to those who were on the waitlist for Triton Tank Fall 2024. Past winners of Triton Tank are ineligible to pitch in subsequent Triton Tanks. \n\n\n\n\nPITCH FORMAT \n\nYour name\nYour company/idea name\nDescribe your problem\nDescribe your proposed solution\nShare how your idea is different\nConclude and seek connection with the audience\n\nOFFICIAL RULES \n\nOnly current UC San Diego students can pitch\nYou must pitch solo (No pairs\, trios\, or group ensembles please.)\nPitches must be no longer than 90 seconds\nFollow the pitch format (See above)\n\n\n\n\n\nDirections to The Basement \nThis event is located on the first floor of the Design and Innovation Building (DIB). The entrances are located across from the Structural Materials and Engineering building or next to the UC San Diego Central Campus Station bus and trolley stop. \n———————— \nMTS Trolley \nThe easiest way to get to the DIB is by taking the MTS trolley UC San Diego Blue Line and getting off at the UC San Diego Central Campus stop. The trolley stop is a short 1 minute walk to the DIB. \nParking \nPublic transportation is highly recommended as parking is limited on campus. If you plan to drive to campus\, please give yourself plenty of time. You can download the ParkMobile app to pay for your space digitally once you find a spot. \n\nP506 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB\nP504 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB\nP510 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB *closest to the DIB*\nGilman Parking Structure\, Southwest side of the DIB
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/triton-tank-2/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Partner Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Triton-Tank-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241015T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241015T180000
DTSTAMP:20241008T062238Z
CREATED:20241008T062238Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T062238Z
UID:10000378-1729008000-1729015200@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:Founder Fireside: Latinx Entrepreneurs
DESCRIPTION:In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month\, The Basement and Chicanx and Latinx Studies present a special edition of Founder Fireside. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Founder Fireside series: \nLaunching a business or social enterprise is challenging—it requires time\, resources\, and persistence. Join us at The Basement for Founder Fireside\, where UC San Diego alumni founders return to campus to share their successes\, struggles\, and everything in between. This is a unique opportunity to learn from their journeys and connect with fellow entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive impact on society. \nEvent Description: \nIn celebration of Latinx Heritage Month\, The Basement has partnered with Chicanx and Latinx Studies to present a special edition of Founder Fireside\, highlighting Latinx alumni founders. We’re excited to feature the entrepreneurial journeys of three alumni who have launched businesses across diverse industries. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear their inspiring stories and enter for a chance to win raffle prizes*! \nFree samples of Kuali’s Salsa Macha Clásica provided to the first 20 attendees! \n*Prizes only available for current UC San Diego students \nAbout the Panelists: \nAlyssa Perez ‘13 | Founder & CEO\, APE Structural Engineering | https://www.apestructures.com/team \nBorn and raised in Santa Barbara\, California\, Alyssa always had a deep-rooted love and appreciation for construction and design. As a kid\, she spent countless hours building forts\, playing with LEGOs\, and roller coaster tycoon. Growing up Mexican-American\, Alyssa admired many members in my family and community working in the construction industry. \nAfter graduating from the University of California\, San Diego\, with a Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering\, Alyssa gained valuable experience working for various structural engineering firms in San Francisco and San Diego. These experiences solidified my passion for custom home design and construction. \nRecognizing the growing gap between technological advancements and traditional engineering practices\, Alyssa and her business partner saw an opportunity to create an engineering firm that would leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional results. With a focus on efficiency\, sustainability\, and innovation\, they founded APE Structural Engineering over four years ago. \nToday\, their firm is dedicated to providing top-tier structural engineering services for custom homes and other building types\, ensuring that each project is not only structurally sound but also aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. \nRosa Teresa Valdes ‘12 | Founder & CEO\, Educated Chola | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosavaldes/ \nGrowing up in South East Los Angeles\, Rosa struggled with crippling anxiety and depression without being able to identify them. Even after completing her Master’s degree at NYU graduate school in Public Administration\, Rosa still had not officially been medically diagnosed with having a mental health disorder. \nIt was through this graduate school experience\, along with the other adversities faced in her upbringing as a first-generation Latina from a single-parent household with a low socioeconomic background on top of the social stigma of mental health within the Latinx community\, that she knew she was not the only one facing this issue. \nEducated Chola is a Latina lifestyle brand based in LA\, with a unique twist\, focused on mental health/salud mental. Through Educated Chola\, Rosa is sharing her personal struggles with the goal of reaching those in the Latinx community by beginning a dialogue about mental health because it has yet to be seen. Rosa aims to help individuals embrace mental health concerns and struggles within the Latinx community encouraging others to take a break and still be a ‘successful’ person\, despite the pressure of unattainable social expectations. \nJaneen Mendoz Perez ‘11 | CEO\, Kuali LLC | https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeen-mendoza-cruz \nJaneen Mendoza Cruz is a proud Latina entrepreneur and co-founder of Kuali\, an artisanal salsa brand based in Oakland\, CA. Drawing on her Mexican heritage and her husband’s family recipes\, Janeen has transformed a homemade salsa side hustle into a thriving business that ships nationwide and is carried by 10 retailers. Prior to launching Kuali\, Janeen spent over a decade in the nonprofit and philanthropy sectors\, advocating for communities of color. Frustrated by systemic barriers\, she left that world to build her own legacy through entrepreneurship. \nJaneen graduated from UC San Diego’s Marshall College in 2011\, earning a double major in economics and Latin American studies. As a daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate\, her business reflects her passion for celebrating cultural authenticity and building generational wealth. Kuali\, meaning “good” or “quality” in Nahuatl\, carries her vision of honoring her roots by creating products that stay true to Mexican flavors without compromising for mainstream tastes. \nIn addition to running her business\, Janeen is a dedicated advocate for Latina entrepreneurship\, sharing her experiences and insights on navigating the complexities of small business ownership. Her work has been featured in publications like The 19th News and the company was recently nationally recognized with a Good Food Award for their signature salsa macha. \n\n\n\n\nDirections to The Basement \nThis event is located on the first floor of the Design and Innovation Building (DIB). The entrances are located across from the Structural Materials and Engineering building or next to the UC San Diego Central Campus Station bus and trolley stop. \n———————— \nMTS Trolley \nThe easiest way to get to the DIB is by taking the MTS trolley UC San Diego Blue Line and getting off at the UC San Diego Central Campus stop. The trolley stop is a short 1 minute walk to the DIB. \nParking \nPublic transportation is highly recommended as parking is limited on campus. If you plan to drive to campus\, please give yourself plenty of time. You can download the ParkMobile app to pay for your space digitally once you find a spot. \n\nP506 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB\nP504 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB\nP510 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB *closest to the DIB*\nGilman Parking Structure\, Southwest side of the DIB
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/founder-fireside-latinx-entrepreneurs/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ecosystem
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Founder-Fireside-Latinx-Entrepreneurs-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241010T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241010T183000
DTSTAMP:20240930T205648Z
CREATED:20240930T205648Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240930T205648Z
UID:10000374-1728579600-1728585000@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:Patent Lego Challenge
DESCRIPTION:Series Description: \nWhether you are a student startup with a brand new idea\, a small business owner with a side project\, or a seasoned business mogul\, the Entrepreneur Workshops focus on a variety of topics pertinent to your journey. Sponsored by Perkins and Coie and hosted by the Office of Innovation and Commercialization’s The Basement\, these workshops are open to everyone. We invite you to register for as many sessions as you are interested in! Light refreshments will be provided. \nEvent Description: \nDo you find the patent process confusing and complicated? Join us for a fun\, interactive workshop where we demystify patents using Lego bricks! Learn when to file a patent\, when to keep an idea as a trade secret\, and discover key strategies to protect your innovations. This hands-on session will guide you through patent filing in an engaging and approachable way. \nAbout the Speaker: \nApril Wurster ‘99 | Partner\, Snell & Wilmer | LinkedIn \nApril Wurster has a passion for transformative medicines to treat people with serious diseases. From cell and gene therapy to diagnostic technologies\, she is dedicated to helping clients protect and exploit their innovations through intellectual property and technology transactions. \nWith this drive and focus\, April actively engages with clients as they navigate the complex legal issues that emerge as they acquire or capitalize on intellectual property. April can do this exceptionally well because she began on the inside. April worked in stem cell research at UCSF and then as an in-house lawyer for a regenerative medicine company obtaining some of the industry’s first patents in cells derived from pluripotent stem cells and medical device systems for cell encapsulation and implantation. \nHer depth of inside knowledge in these sectors gives her firsthand experience and context. As a result\, she understands and empathizes with her clients. She can quickly grasp her clients’ unique needs and objectives and tailor legal advice that helps ensure successful outcomes and long-term growth. \nApril currently serves as co-chair of the Life Sciences Industry Group at Snell and Wilmer’s San Diego office. Today\, her practice has an emphasis on patent drafting and prosecution as well as technology transactions such as manufacturing and licensing agreements. \n\n\n\n\nDirections to The Basement \nThis event is located on the first floor of the Design and Innovation Building (DIB). The entrances are located across from the Structural Materials and Engineering building or next to the UC San Diego Central Campus Station bus and trolley stop. \n———————— \nMTS Trolley \nThe easiest way to get to the DIB is by taking the MTS trolley UC San Diego Blue Line and getting off at the UC San Diego Central Campus stop. The trolley stop is a short 1 minute walk to the DIB. \nParking \nPublic transportation is highly recommended as parking is limited on campus. If you plan to drive to campus\, please give yourself plenty of time. You can download the ParkMobile app to pay for your space digitally once you find a spot. \n\nP506 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB\nP504 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB\nP510 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB *closest to the DIB*\nGilman Parking Structure\, Southwest side of the DIB
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/patent-lego-challenge/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Partner Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Patent-Lego-Challenge-.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="UCSD Basement":MAILTO:thebasement@ucsd.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241001T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241001T130000
DTSTAMP:20240923T184111Z
CREATED:20240923T184111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240923T184111Z
UID:10000363-1727780400-1727787600@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:Triton Tank
DESCRIPTION:Got a game-changing idea? Pitch it at Triton Tank! \nStep through our elevator prop doors and deliver your 90-second pitch to a panel of expert judges at The Basement’s version of Shark Tank. Whether you’re ready to showcase your innovation for a chance to win amazing prizes or you simply want to cheer on fellow student entrepreneurs\, don’t miss this exciting event! \nPrizes awarded to 1st\, 2nd\, and 3rd place. Prize list coming soon! \n\n\n\n\nImportant Note: Only current UC San Diego students are eligible to pitch\, but everyone is welcome to attend the event. All participants MUST register on Eventbrite. To pitch\, you must sign up in person at the event. Sign-ups will open at 10:50 a.m. on a first-come\, first-served basis\, and spots are limited—so if you’re eager to pitch\, be sure to arrive early! \n\n\n\n\nDirections to The Basement \nThis event is located on the first floor of the Design and Innovation Building (DIB). The entrances are located across from the Structural Materials and Engineering building or next to the UC San Diego Central Campus Station bus and trolley stop. \n———————— \nMTS Trolley \nThe easiest way to get to the DIB is by taking the MTS trolley UC San Diego Blue Line and getting off at the UC San Diego Central Campus stop. The trolley stop is a short 1 minute walk to the DIB. \nParking \nPublic transportation is highly recommended as parking is limited on campus. If you plan to drive to campus\, please give yourself plenty of time. You can download the ParkMobile app to pay for your space digitally once you find a spot. \n\nP506 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB\nP504 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB\nP510 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB *closest to the DIB*\nGilman Parking Structure\, Southwest side of the DI
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/triton-tank/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Partner Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Triton-Tank-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240501T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240501T173000
DTSTAMP:20240415T214811Z
CREATED:20240415T214811Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240415T214811Z
UID:10000140-1714579200-1714584600@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:Entrepreneur Workshop - Finding Market Fit
DESCRIPTION:Series Description: \nWhether you are a student startup with a brand new idea\, a small business owner with a side project\, or a seasoned business mogul\, the Entrepreneur Workshops focus on a variety of topics pertinent to your journey. Sponsored by Perkins and Coie and hosted by the Office of Innovation and Commercialization’s The Basement\, these workshops are open to everyone. We invite you to register for as many sessions as you are interested in! Light refreshments will be provided. \nEvent Description: \nGot a brilliant idea\, but unsure if there’s a need in the market? Attend this engaging workshop where you’ll embark on a comprehensive journey to understand and discover your target market. Learn how to sidestep the common pitfall of having a solution without a problem and instead learn the skills and tools needed to conduct effective market research\, develop insightful personas\, and create value propositions that resonate with your customers. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your entrepreneurial skills and to better position yourself in the market. \nAbout the Speaker: \nKevin Popovic | Education Manger\, UC San Diego – The Design Lab | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinpopovic/ \nKevin Popović aka The Idea Guy™ is an expert in creating new ideas that solve problems. As the Education Manager at The Design Lab of UC San Diego\, Kevin teaches design thinking\, innovation\, and creative problem solving to students\, faculty\, and administrators. He was the inaugural Director of ZIP Idea Lab and the Zahn Chair of Creativity and Innovation at San Diego State University. Additionally he’s the Founder of Ideahaus®\, an award-winning creative communications agency that helps B2B\, B2C\, and non-profit organizations figure out how to build brands and increase sales. With his expansive knowledge and experience\, Kevin knows how to genrate new ideas\, solve problems\, and develop strategies to create engagement. \n\n\n\n\nDirections to The Basement \nThis event is located on the first floor of the Design and Innovation Building (DIB). The entrances are located across from the Structural Materials and Engineering building or next to the UC San Diego Central Campus Station bus and trolley stop. \n———————— \nMTS Trolley \nThe easiest way to get to the DIB is by taking the MTS trolley UC San Diego Blue Line and getting off at the UC San Diego Central Campus stop. The trolley stop is a short 1 minute walk to the DIB. \nParking \nPublic transportation is highly recommended as parking is limited on campus. If you plan to drive to campus\, please give yourself plenty of time. You can download the ParkMobile app to pay for your space digitally once you find a spot. \n\nP506 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB\nP504 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB\nP510 – Pay and Display\, Northside of the DIB *closest to the DIB*\nGilman Parking Structure\, Southwest side of the DIB
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/entrepreneur-workshop-finding-market-fit/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Partner Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Entrepreneur-Workshop-Finding-Market-Fit-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240418T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240418T180000
DTSTAMP:20240415T153710Z
CREATED:20240415T153611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240415T153710Z
UID:10000130-1713456000-1713463200@startupsd.org
SUMMARY:Founder Fireside - Women in the Food & Beverage Industry
DESCRIPTION:Series Description:\nStarting a business or social enterprise isn’t easy. It takes time\, resources\, and a lot of perseverance. Join us at the Basement for Founder Fireside\, where UC San Diego alumni founders return to campus to talk about their achievements\, struggles\, and everything in between. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to learn from alumni founders’ experiences and to connect with other like-minded student leaders interested in creating a positive difference in our society. \nEvent Description: \nIn collaboration with UC San Diego’s Women’s Center and the Women’s Network student organization\, The Basement’s Founder Fireside returns in Spring Quarter with a focus on women founders in the food and beverage industry. In this special edition of Founder Fireside\, we are excited to hear the entrepreneurial journeys from not just alumni founders\, but also local San Diego business owners. Hear their stories\, sample their products\, and enter in some tasty raffle giveaways. \nAbout the Panelists: \nVanessa Dew ‘06\, Co-Founder Health-Ade | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-dew-023489a/ \nVanessa Dew is a professional speaker\, entrepreneur coach\, and co-founder of Health-Ade\, one of the world’s most successful kombucha brands\, reaching nearly $300 million in retail sales and available in over 50\,000 stores. Named Entrepreneur of the Year by USC Marshall School of Business\, she mentors up-and-coming founders. Having been recognized in world-renowned publications like Forbes and Glamour\, she was named one of the Gold House A100 List of most impactful Asians. Her insights have been featured on popular shows such as 2nd Life\, Gritty Girls\, Asian Boss Girl\, and The Mad Happy Podcast. Vanessa’s passion for empowerment led to The Gold House Futures Scholarship. Engaging in investment\, advisory\, and board roles\, she’s spoken on esteemed panels and delivered keynotes at Expo West and influential stages worldwide. As a formidable businesswoman and mother of two\, Vanessa Dew is more than a name; she embodies optimism\, resilience\, family values\, and the audacity to dream big. Vanessa graduated from UC San Diego with a BS in Biochemistry. \nGeraldine Ridaura-Schumacher\, CEO & Founder\, Holy Matcha | https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldinerid \nGeraldine Ridaura’s entrepreneurial career started with a simple problem: she couldn’t drink coffee. Coffee didn’t sit well with her\, so while trying to find alternatives that made sense she landed on two things — she loved matcha and there were no matcha cafes in San Diego. In the summer of 2016 was when Holy Matcha was born- San Diego’s first matcha cafe. Fast forward 8 years later\, Holy Matcha is still going strong with multiple brick and mortar stores\, retail merchandise\, online store with Amazon selling nationwide\, and a wholesale program. \nMaya Madsen\, CEO & Founder\, Maya’s Cookies | https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-madsen-6100311b4/ \nFounded in 2015 by Maya Madsen\, Maya’s Cookies is America’s #1 Black-Owned Gourmet Vegan Cookie Company. As a vegan with a sweet tooth\, she had not been able to find that perfectly delicious\, soft-baked gourmet vegan cookie\, so she spent years crafting her award-winning and crowd-pleasing recipes.
URL:https://startupsd.org/event/founder-fireside-women-in-the-food-beverage-industry/
LOCATION:UC San Diego – The Basement (Design & Innovation Building\, 1st Floor)\, 9510 Innovation Lane\, La Jolla\, CA\, CA\, 92093\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Partner Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://startupsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Founder-Fireside-Women-in-the-Food-Beverage-Industry-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR