First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase

An annual celebration of the best early-stage teams commercializing deep tech and life science breakthroughs from the top research institutions in Southern California. 

Get a first look at emerging innovators and breakthroughs

This is the premiere gathering that celebrates research-based spinouts and connects them with top-tier investors and successful serial entrepreneurs with expertise to help them leap from the lab to market. 

Save the Date: First Look SoCal Showcase 2025

The First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase returns to the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday May 20, 2025. Last year’s showcase drew over 280 attendees to see 24 startups from 15 research and academic institutions and a jury of 30 industry experts who provided feedback and guidance in real time. See you on May 20!

See 2024 Recap

Past Events

First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase 2024

May 21, 2024 @ Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles

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First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase 2023

June 14, 2023 @ Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles

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First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase 2022

June 7, 2022 @ Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles

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First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase 2021 [Virtual]

June 16-17, 2021; Virtual due to Covid-19 pandemic

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First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase 2020 [Virtual]

September 15 – 16, 2020: Virtual due to Covid-19 pandemic

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First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase 2019

June 19, 2019 @ Pasadena Conference Center

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First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase 2018

June 20, 2018 @ The Luskin Conference Center at UCLA in Los Angeles

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Participating Academic and Research Institutions

Upcoming events

Check out our events calendar to see upcoming opportunities to connect with the innovation community in Southern California.

Alliance Events

Related Blog Posts

In Search of…Startups Emerging from Industry Sponsored Research

Steve Gilison 5 August 2024

We were asked by UIDP to contribute a chapter for their upcoming book on University-Industry Collaboration with a focus on how Industry impacts the lab to market journey through new…

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Courtesy of William White, https://unsplash.com/photos/TZCppMjaOHU

How Universities Support Community: It Depends

Steve Gilison 20 September 2023

What is the role of a major University in the community and how does that change in relation to the shifting conditions within the community and the University? Over the…

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