The Innovation Advisor network is a group of local business leaders who volunteer their time to support the development of the UCI Beall Applied Innovation entrepreneurial ecosystem. The goals of the Innovation Advisor network are to increase the likelihood of success of UCI-affiliated ventures by providing insightful and actionable guidance and mentorship to individuals and teams and to foster engagement between the University and the local entrepreneurial community to accelerate the commercialization of University innovations.

Innovation Advisors contribute to UCI Beall Applied Innovation in a number of capacities ranging from working with startups in the Wayfinder incubator program to advising on patentability analyses and assessment of commercial potential, reviewing commercialization grant proposals, having one-on-one meetings at the Cove @ UCI, presenting at community workshops, serving as resources or speakers for other campus entities, serving as competition judges, or operating as general coaches/mentors to individuals or startup teams associated with UCI.

Innovation Advisors represent a wide array of entrepreneurial experience levels from founders to chief executives. They also bring a wealth of skills and contacts in disciplines as diverse as finance, operations, human resources, marketing, and law. Their careers include fields ranging from high tech to high touch, and represent both B2B and B2C.

Beyond their functional expertise and experience, Innovation Advisors bring a desire to see potential entrepreneurs succeed. Their relationships with the men and women they advise are a source of both pride and accomplishment. In addition to the rewarding experience of mentoring budding entrepreneurs, Innovation Advisors benefit from opportunities for personal and professional growth, networking, and a close connection to the UCI Beall Applied Innovation community.