PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
External Events & Opportunities
At the Innovation Hub, we take great pride in our commitment to providing students with comprehensive support. In addition to our internal resources, we also offer a diverse range of external events and opportunities aimed at fostering innovation and creativity within our student community.
The Social Coyote
If you are interested in entrepreneurship, then check out this newsletter! Get weekly updates on events surrounding entrepreneurship & innovation, within the San Diego area.
Big Bang and Little Bang Workshops
Join us for a series of five insightful workshops that will help you launch a successful venture. Led by industry experts, you will learn best business practices and gain valuable knowledge, no matter what your field. These Zoom workshops are free and open to the public, so reserve your spot today. All workshops take place from 12-1:30 PM.
Learn more about these workshops and other events at .
Startup Support with Springboard
Connect's signature advising program, Springboard, actively guides innovation companies that seek external funding to fuel their rapid expansion. The program's flexible and customized model, notably no-cost and no equity, prepares founders with strategic guidance for an effective capital-raising campaign. Many Springboard companies have become Connect Cool Companies, and several were among the first recipients of recent investments made by the TL Fund. With an expansive track record, Springboard companies have raised $3.28B in capital since 2005.
UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition
The Big Bang! competition helps you to grow as an entrepreneur and as a leader. You'll find opportunities to connect with fellow innovators, learn and apply business concepts in educational workshops, build your team, grow your network—and compete for cash prizes. Deadline to submit is March 3rd!
Some important things to note:
- The Big Bang! Business Competition runs March through May.
- The competition is designed for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs.
- Our online Big Bang! Workshop Series is a powerful complement to the business competition.
- You don’t have to enter the competition to participate in the workshops.
- Teams must have at least one founder affiliated with a California-based institution of higher education.
- Competition finalists compete for cash prizes.
When: May 2026
Where: UC Davis
The Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge 2026
The Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge (GSIC) returns to San Diego in May 1st - 3rd 2026 for another inspiring finals event. Get ready to connect with bold innovators, changemakers, and thought leaders from around the world by submitting an application today.
The Fowler GSIC inspires student social entrepreneurs around the world to connect and create business solutions that address social and environmental challenges. What to do: create a team with 1-5 members, analyze a social or environmental challenge, propose and validate a potential solution, and pitch your idea for up to $75,000+ in funding.
When: May 1st - 3rd
Where: San Diego
SME Blue Sky Challenge 2026
Innovate Boldly. Inspire the Future of Manufacturing. The Blue Sky Competition is officially open for submissions!
Are you ready to challenge the status quo? The Blue Sky Competition is the ultimate stage for bold, transformative ideas that will drive the next era of U.S. manufacturing. We are not looking for incremental improvements. We want radical, interdisciplinary concepts that address the grand challenges of tomorrow. Finalists will present their ideas at North American Manufacturing Research Conference (NAMRC) 54. The winner receive national acclaim, while finalists gain paid conference registration and travel support.
Your idea could inspire the future and leave a lasting mark on the manufacturing community. Dare to imagine. Dare to lead. The future of manufacturing starts with your vision.
When: June 14–18, 2026
Where: Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA
