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Laying the Groundwork for an Innovation Center
At its January 13 meeting, the Irvine City Council approved the Economic Development Blueprint for 2026–2028, establishing a clear roadmap for business retention, attraction, workforce development, and innovation ecosystem growth.
The Blueprint also sets the stage for the launch of the Irvine Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, envisioned as Irvine’s front door to the innovation economy—connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and partners while expanding access to capital, education, and technical resources.
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Zoning Updates Support Research & Development
The City has adopted landmark zoning changes that make it easier for companies engaged in Research & Development (R&D) to locate, expand, and invest in Irvine.
R&D is now permitted by-right in two major mixed-use districts — approximately 1,400 acres near the Market Place Center and 480 acres near the Irvine Spectrum Center — helping align zoning with how modern innovation companies operate.
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Breaking Barriers: Streamlining Business in Irvine
Thursday, April 23 | 9–11 a.m.
Los Olivos Community Center
Interested in locating or growing your business in Irvine? Join City leaders and local experts for a forum on navigating regulatory processes, with practical insights into business licensing, planning, and permitting. Attendees will also learn about Irvine’s Navigator Program — a concierge-style, case-management service designed to move projects forward efficiently.
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 From Startup to Scale Innovation Forum
The City’s From Startup to Scale forum was a strong success, bringing together more than 100 attendees for a thoughtful and engaging discussion on innovation, growth, and collaboration in Orange County. The event featured distinguished industry and academic leaders, including Johannes Rott, Vice President of Plug and Play; Joshua Dominic, Founder and CEO of Dreamstar Lines; Paul Choi, Head of Operations for DreamTrans LLC; and Dr. Ian Williamson, Dean of UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business.
Read the full recap and view event photos.
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LaunchPad SBDC Demo Day & Pitch Competition
On December 12, the City hosted the LaunchPad SBDC 2025 Demo Day and Pitch Competition in partnership with Octane OC and the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Ten startups pitched live, with Irvine-based Lidavex Inc. and Summit Technology Laboratory each receiving $5,000 in non-dilutive funding as category winners.
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 Making it Easier to Get Around the City
Irvine CONNECT provides free shuttle service connecting North Irvine neighborhoods to Irvine Station, with convenient stops at parks, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers. Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes. Routes were expanded in July 2025 to serve even more of the community.
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Public Law Center’s Small Business & Nonprofit Project
Public Law Center’s Small Business & Nonprofit Project (SBNP) provides legal services to income-qualified individuals and small businesses along with other nonprofit organizations serving Orange County (regardless of income) on a wide range of transactional matters — from formation through dissolution including entity structuring, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, contract drafting and review, and general legal counsel on risk management and best practices.
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