2025 ZERO-TO-ENTREPRENEUR REGISTRATION

The 2025 Zero-to-Entrepreneur Program is Now Open For Enrollment - Applications Close May 15th, 2025

Have a business idea but don’t know how to launch it? Whether you're a working professional, UCR student, or a local community member, Zero-to-Entrepreneur provides the knowledge, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help you build a technology-driven startup. This free 6-month program is designed to take you from idea to execution, with expert-led training, personalized mentorship, and access to startup resources.

What You'll Gain

  • Expert-Led Entrepreneurship Training – Learn how to validate your business idea, understand your target market, and develop a winning value proposition through engaging lessons led by the expert mentors of UCR EPIC
  • Individualized Mentorship – Work one-on-one with experienced Entrepreneurs-in-Residence who will guide you through every step of your startup journey.
  • Networking Opportunities – Build valuable connections with industry professionals, fellow entrepreneurs, and potential collaborators.
  • Flexible Learning Schedule – Complete most coursework online at your own pace, with occasional in-person or live virtual sessions. Accommodations can be made for work and life commitments.
  • Hands-On Experience – Receive up to 20 hours of in-person training in UCR’s cutting-edge labs: the Center for Environmental Research Technology or the Plant Transformation Research Center.
  • Comprehensive Online Training – Access up to 40 hours of expert-led online instruction covering key topics in entrepreneurship, agriculture technology, and sustainable transportation.
  • Funding Opportunities – Pitch your startup idea for a chance to win up to $20,000 to help launch or grow your business. Additional accelerator resources are available through UCR’s Office of Technology Partnerships.
  • University Recognition – Earn 6 units of UCR Extension credit and receive certificates of completion for both the entrepreneurship select technical courses. Complete all courses in the agricultural track to receive a formal Certificate from UCR Extension.
  • Cost-Free Program – All training, mentorship, and resources are provided at no cost to participants.
Class Schedule

Phase 1: INNOVAR Entrepreneur Program (May - August 2025)
  • The INNOVAR Course (MGTX464) begins May 28th, 2025 and ends August 6th, 2025
  • Final pitch presentations at UCR on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 from 5:30pm- 7:30 pm
Phase 2: Optional Technical Courses (September – November 2025)
  • After completing INNOVAR, your program manager and mentor will develop a path forward. This may include more detailed courses on agriculture, transportation, or other options. Class schedules vary and occur between September - November 2025)
Key Dates & Events
  • Applications Close: May 15, 2025
  • Info Session & Mixer: April 12, 2025 | 10 AM – 12 PM | April 12, 2025 | 10 AM – 12 PM | ExCITE Riverside (3600 Lime St Building 7 Suite 725, Riverside, CA 92501)
  • Mandatory Program Orientation: May 22, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7 PM | Online

Applications are currently open and will close May 15th, 2025. Apply for the course by adding your email below and filling out the application on the next page.
Sign in to Google to save your progress. Learn more
Email *
Next
Clear form
Never submit passwords through Google Forms.
This form was created inside of R'Mail.

Does this form look suspicious? Report

Google Forms