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. 

First Look SoCal Showcase 2026

The First Look SoCal Innovation Showcases in 2026 will once again be split into Medtech, Biotech, and Deep Tech Showcases. Stay tuned for more details…

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Past Events

First Look SoCal Deep Tech Innovation Showcase 2025

September 18, 2025 @ The Deep Tech Symposium at THE BR-DGE in El Segundo

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First Look SoCal Life Science Innovation Showcase 2025

May 22 & 23, 2025 @ UCLA LABEST

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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

New Format and Venues for the First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase in 2025

Steve Gilison 11 March 2025

We are excited to announce big changes to the First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase for 2025 that will supercharge how we support early stage startups from SoCal’s world-class academic and…

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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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