myCSUSM
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 Mike & Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
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: March 3, 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
The AI Tech Venture Challenge 2026
On behalf of the Product Club at the University of California, Riverside, we’re excited to invite the students from CSUSM to participate in our flagship event: The AI Tech Venture Challenge 2026. This cross-disciplinary competition is designed to bring together students interested in AI, product innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem solving. Participants will have the opportunity to develop and pitch innovative ideas, receive feedback from industry judges, and connect with peers from different universities and academic backgrounds. Registration Deadline: January 29, 2026.
Event Details:
- Team Size: 2–5 participants (individual participants will be supported in forming teams)
- Open to students from all disciplines and universities
- $25 per team | Free for audience members
When: Friday, February 27, 2026, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: UCR School of Business, Auditorium 165
The Student Knowledge and Applied Learning in Engineering (SKALE) Proposal Application 2026
Have an innovative project idea? Want to see your concepts come to life in workshops
or collaborative projects? Now’s your chance! We’re encouraging all students to submit
proposals through the Engineering Proposal Submission Form. Your proposal could spark
the next hands-on workshop, launch a new research initiative, or inspire a real-world
engineering project. Whether it’s a clever design, a process improvement, or a bold
solution to a tough challenge, or a project aimed at building certain skills, we want
to hear from you. Don’t just imagine the possibilities—help create them! Submit your
proposal today and take the first step toward turning your vision into reality.
🚀 Share Your Ideas – Shape the Future of Engineering!
