In Q1 2025, the Inland SoCal Accelerate Hub continued building momentum across its key pillars: capital access, subject-matter expertise, technical assistance, physical incubation, and ecosystem coordination. The Hub’s ongoing work helped unlock new opportunities for early-stage ventures, drive regional investment, and provide equitable support to underserved entrepreneurs across Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial counties.
At UC Riverside, the SBIR/STTR Resource Center and EPIC SBDC played vital roles in advancing capital access. Three early-stage companies secured more than $2.1 million in non-dilutive funding this quarter, including a $1.9M Phase II SBIR grant awarded to Apsidal and $150,000 to Biopico Systems. UCR also filed 26 new patent applications - already exceeding the Q2 target by over 100% - and completed one licensing agreement, further contributing to the region’s innovation portfolio.
Entrepreneurial training programs hosted by UCR’s Office of Technology Partnerships included the Sustainability Case Competition, EcoCar Challenge, and Entrepreneurship Career Pathways. These events collectively engaged over 90 participants and helped prepare emerging innovators for startup success and clean technology problem-solving.
In parallel, the Hub celebrated several successes that highlight the ecosystem’s coordinated impact. In April, the Annual Riverside County Innovation Month Fast Pitch Finale brought together ten high-potential startups from across the region. This was a truly collaborative effort: Riverside County, UC Riverside, RCCD, the Murrieta Innovation Center, and other Hub partners worked together to organize regional pitch events, refer entrepreneurs, and mentor finalists. As a result of this shared effort, two startups within the Inland SoCal Accelerate Hub ecosystem, Glid and Super Foam, took home first and second place honors.
Glid, an autonomous freight transport company, initially competed and won at the Riverside Regional Fast Pitch hosted by ExCITE Riverside. With support from the City of Riverside, EPIC SBDC, and UCR’s incubator services, Glid is now relocating to Riverside to scale operations, conduct testing, and further develop its groundbreaking road-to-rail technology.
Super Foam, which produces sustainable foam materials, began its journey with support from RCCD’s APEX Accelerator. They were referred to the SoCal OASIS Pitch Challenge, where they gained visibility and mentorship, then admitted into the EPIC mentoring program and ExCITE incubation. Their second-place win at the countywide finale reflects a successful continuum of support across the I-HUB network.
Another example of regional impact is Voltu Motor Inc., an electric vehicle manufacturer that secured a $500,000 Catalyst Fund award to launch an EV workforce training initiative in the Inland Empire. UCR provided technical assistance for the grant application, while the City and County of Riverside championed Voltu’s plans for local job creation. This program is helping prepare underserved youth for careers in clean transportation manufacturing, aligning closely with the Hub’s mission of inclusive economic development.
Additionally, AmPac Business Capital supported a Riverside-based daycare business in securing $1.85 million in SBA 504-backed financing and down payment assistance. This enabled the business to expand into two new locations and create new job opportunities, demonstrating the Hub’s ability to deliver high-touch technical assistance for small, community-based businesses as well.
Blended Impact continued to advance regional economic strategy by facilitating the Department of Energy’s Make It Prize planning, coordinating with 13 partners, and preparing for the AMCC Manufacturing Roadshow. They also followed up with cleantech founders and funders following LA Tech Week and remain central to statewide manufacturing and energy planning efforts.