SoCal Community Events

Connect with the innovation community in Southern California by checking out these regional events.

Upcoming Community Events

The events listed are not hosted or organized by the Alliance unless specified

March 13
AI Case Studies Series: Exploring the Impact on Startup Tech Companies
Hosted by: Long Beach Accelerator
Location: Long Beach
Come be a part of creating a community focused on leveraging AI for business applications, with a panel session sponsored by CSU. This is the first in a series of events for our AI working group. The session will be followed by a reception hosted by the CSULB Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

March 14
Panther Cage Pitch Competition
Hosted by: Chapman University
Location: Orange
The Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics hosts its annual ‘shark-tank’ like pitch competition. In addition to pitching for investment to angels and VCs, startups compete for a $1,500 prize.

March 15
The AI Hardware Ecosystem: AI Factories of the Future
Hosted by: Caltech Entrepreneur’s Forum
Location: Pasadena
The industry forecasts over $1 Trillion of hardware investment will be made in AI Factories between now and 2030. NVIDIA’s chips are only a fraction of the investment needed and small firms working on cooling solutions are becoming overnight unicorns. Anyone doing a better job solving the increasing technical challenges of data transmittal, power management, cooling and memory in an AI can find quick growth from customers like Microsoft, Amazon or Meta for their data centers. Join us to hear from industry thought leaders who have been through similar IT hardware growth cycles as well as those leading innovative startups in the ecosystem.

March 19
88 Cities Summit
Hosted by: LAEDC
Location: Torrance
Join city leaders, economic development professionals, and key stakeholders from across Los Angeles County for a day of insight, innovation, and action. The 88 Cities Summit is a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and leverage shared knowledge to address challenges, strengthen communities, and drive economic growth, resilience, and equity across the region.

March 20
Global Capital Network Investor Expo
Hosted by: Global Capital Network (GCN)
Location: Newport Beach
The Conference will provide expert knowledge into multiple asset classes from the perspective of investors, founders, and thought leaders. The agenda put together with the help of the advisory council will cover compelling topics like: Keynote discussion on investment: How do we drive impact? Financing in todays market: Development, purposing, capital needs, compliance and debt financing, what’s in store for 2025? Investor Spotlight: How do you grow your bottom line over the next twelve months?

March 21
LMU Innovation Symposium: Shaping the ClimateTech Transformation
Hosted by: LMU
Location: Los Angeles
Delve into the impact of technology and its ability to influence the intersection of business and the environment. From conversations on AI to climate change, this premier event brings together industry leaders, academic experts, and innovative thinkers to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping a sustainable future. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn, and be inspired by the pioneers driving the next wave of impactful innovation. Refreshments and lunch will be served.

April 2-3
Venture Summit [west]
Hosted by: Alliance for SoCal Innovation and youngStartup Ventures
Location: Silicon Valley
Whether you’re a startup seeking capital and exposure, or an investor seeking new deals, Venture Summit | West, presented by youngStartup Ventures, is one event you won’t want to miss. This exclusive venture summit is dedicated to showcasing early-stage VCs, Corporate VCs and angel investors committed to funding venture backed, emerging and early-stage companies as well as showcasing trailblazers in the AI, Cleantech, Fintech, Life Science & Healthcare Tech, MedTech, Climate Tech, and more. Over 170 VCs currently registered to attend.
Special Offer: Use our exclusive promo code ALLIANCEVIP to save $400 on all ticket options valid through March 21st. Register Now & Save $400

April 4
Octane’s Neuro Tech Forum
Hosted by: Octane
Location: Newport Beach
The Neuro Tech Forum is a cutting-edge event that brings together the brightest minds in neurotech to explore the future of innovations. What to Expect: Breakthrough technologies, real-world applications, and industry insights.
Why Attend: Discuss trends and advancements with industry leaders, clinicians, investors, and entrepreneurs.

May 1
IGNITE22: Global Tech Showcase
Hosted by: Braid Theory and AltaSea
Location: The Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro
Braid Theory is excited to announce the latest edition of IGNITE22. This highly curated event brings together innovators in the blue economy shaping the 22nd century: entrepreneurs showcase their blue economy solutions; industry leaders discover emerging technologies; and investors seize opportunities to back viable, sustainable ventures. Now accepting applications for entrepreneurs to exhibit at the event. Attendees and investors, use discount code for $50 off when registering: IG22PARTNER

May 21-22
First Look SoCal Life Science Innovation Showcase at LABEST
Hosted by: Alliance for SoCal Innovation
Location: UCLA’s Luskin Conference Center
The First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase is an annual event that celebrates the best early-stage startups commercializing deep tech and life science breakthroughs emerging from the top universities and research institutions in Southern California. This year we are dividing the annual event into two separate showcases to provide the best experience for Life Science and Deep Tech startups.
Early Bird Rate ends soon: register for LABEST to see the First Look SoCal startup showcase

SAVE THE DATE…

APRIL 6-13
LA CLIMATE WEEK
LOS ANGELES

MAY 5-9
OC INNOVATION WEEK
ORANGE COUNTY

SEPTEMBER 15-19
SOCAL DEEP TECH WEEK
LOS ANGELES

OCTOBER 13-19
LA TECH WEEK
LOS ANGELES

SoCal Venture Pipeline Program
Deadline: Ongoing
SoCal Venture Pipeline Program powered by Banc of California
Startups receive targeted introductions to investors through our unique no-cost program (no fees, no equity, totally free). SoCal entrepreneurs raising institutional funding are carefully selected and directly introduced to capital providers from our deep nationwide relationship network. To see info about each company and the newest accepted startups in the SVP program, visit our website.

Community Deadlines

Submission Deadline: March 12 15 (extended)
SoCal B2B Accelerator in Glendale
FoundersBoost’s SoCal B2B Accelerator powered by Glendale is a tailored accelerator program designed to propel select pre-seed stage B2B startups toward Investment and Revenue Generation. Operated in partnership with Alliance for SoCal Innovation, Hacker Fund, and the City of Glendale, this FoundersBoost program leverages local resources and a global network to support scalable startups making an impact in Southern California’s thriving tech ecosystem. Our six-week program provides unparalleled one-on-one mentorship and access to a global network of founders, investors, and industry experts to help startups refine their business models, develop their go-to-market strategies, and connect with investors. With a focus on putting founders first, the SoCal B2B Accelerator takes no equity and charges no fees, thanks to the support of the City of Glendale, local sponsors, and the dedication of gifted mentors and program leaders. Post-Program, alumni who are ready for seed funding will join the Alliance for SoCal Innovation’s Venture Pipeline, where they receive personal introductions to VCs with a proven track record of funding similar startups or that match their investment thesis. For questions, contact Brandon Gerson (brandon@makandger.com).

Submission Deadline: March 12 15 (extended)
FoundersBoost LA Pre-Seed Accelerator
Part-time program offering mentorship and connections to help pre-seed startups from all backgrounds prepare for accelerators, investment, and growth. Their 600 alumni have raised $350M+ and joined top accelerators like Techstars and YC.

Submission Deadline: March 30
Viterbi Startup Garage – Application for Residency
Are you an early-stage tech startup in LA looking for expert mentorship, funding opportunities, and a strong founder community? Apply now for the Spring 2025 VSG Residency Program – no equity, no fees, just support to help you grow. Who Should Apply? Full-time founder teams based in LA, Post-ideation startups with developed technology, Early-stage startups with external funding plans. What You Get: 24/7 co-working space, Access to USC’s network of mentors, investors, and alumni, Hands-on coaching, workshops, and tactical support.

Submission Deadline: unknown
Bruin Founders, a UCLA Ventures program
Founders: Are you a UCLA student, alumni, faculty, or staff with a groundbreaking idea? This is your chance to transform your vision into reality with the support of expert mentors, valuable resources, and a dynamic community of entrepreneurs. Bruin Founders is a Mentor-in-Residence (MIR) program by UCLA Ventures and UCLA Technology Development Group aimed at serving the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Bruin Founders seeks to offer hands-on guidance launching a startup or scaling a business with added support from our member community of UCLA alumni & affiliates.
Mentors: Do you have industry experience and a passion for guiding the next generation of innovators? We’re looking for mentors in all sectors to support our next cohort. Applications for mentors can be found here. *Note: Mentors do not have to be UCLA-affiliated

Submission Deadline: April
Exhibitor Tables at IGNITE22 Global Tech Showcase
Are you an entrepreneur with a blue economy solution? Get in touch with us! IGNITE22 is a day dedicated to showcasing your solution to investors, potential partners, potential customers, industry leaders, and government representatives all in one place. Apply to showcase your technology today! More information about the event is here.

Submission Deadline: May 20
Pepperdine University’s Most Fundable Companies
US-based startups, all industries, pre-revenue/pre-seed through Series A are eligible. Free feedback reports on attractiveness to potential investors. Winners earn a spot on the annual Most Fundable Companies List, with national publicity and recognition.

Startups Apply to the SoCal Venture Pipeline Program

Get matched with the right Seed and Series A investors. These are warm introductions that could change your life.

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Investors: Join our relationship network

The Alliance has established a nationwide network of over 200 institutional investors who receive curated personal introductions to high quality startups ready for Seed and Series A funding who match their investment thesis and previous investments. Join our relationship network to get connected to high potential startup founders.

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Upcoming Alliance Events

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

Alliance Events