Community leaders, entrepreneurs, and strategic partners gather to recognize collaborative vision for Irvine’s innovation ecosystem.
The City of Irvine and the Stella and John Foundation welcomed elected officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners Tuesday, July 28, to celebrate the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship — presented by John Shen and Stella Zhang — and the collaborative vision that will strengthen Irvine’s innovation ecosystem for years to come.
Held at the Center’s future home at 510 Technology Drive in Irvine’s Healthcare Corridor, the event brought together more than 200 attendees to recognize the public-private partnerships that are making the landmark initiative possible.
“The launch of the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship marks an exciting new chapter for our City,” said Mayor Larry Agran. By bringing together entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and partners under one roof, we are strengthening Irvine’s position as a leading hub for innovation while creating high-wage jobs and long-term economic opportunity for our residents. I am proud of this gold standard public-private partnership and look forward to seeing the ideas and companies that will grow here.”
Announced earlier this month, the approximately 25,000-square-foot Center will serve as the “front door” to Irvine’s innovation ecosystem, bringing together entrepreneurs, startups, investors, business resource organizations, and strategic partners to help innovators start, grow, and scale.
Supported by partnerships with the Stella and John Foundation, American Lending Center, the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC), the Greater Irvine Chamber, and other regional organizations, the Center will provide coordinated business support, access to capital, educational programming, flexible workspace, and strategic partnerships.
“The Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship represents the power of investment, entrepreneurship, and community coming together through a public-private philanthropic partnership to create lasting opportunity,” said John Shen, Board Member, Stella and John Foundation. “The Stella and John Foundation is honored to join with the City of Irvine and so many outstanding organizations to build a place where innovators can access the resources, relationships, and support they need to turn bold ideas into meaningful impact.”
View photos and video from the July 28 press conference.
Visit the Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship webpage to learn more about the future economic development hub. For additional information about the City of Irvine’s economic development initiatives, go to cityofirvine.gov/economicdevelopment.
About the City of Irvine: Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 317,744 that spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Great Park. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.gov.
About the Stella and John Foundation: The Stella and John Foundation is a charitable organization founded by John Shen and Stella Zhang dedicated to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and community by investing in transformative ideas, strategic partnerships, and sustainable initiatives that create lasting social impact. Stella and John are also the founders of American Lending Center Holdings Inc. (ALC) – a mission-driven, private, non-bank lender committed to expanding access to capital, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic growth across the United States – and Sunstone Investment Group – a diversified investment firm that specializes in public-private partnerships.
