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City of Irvine Launches Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The City of Irvine launched the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, a landmark initiative that will create a centralized hub for entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and business-support organizations.
Located within Irvine’s Healthcare Corridor, the approximately 25,000-square-foot Center will offer office and lab coworking space, business advising, connections to capital, educational programming, and other integrated services to help innovators start, grow, and scale. The Center is anticipated to open in early 2027.
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City and SensoRy AI Launch Wildfire Detection and Risk Assessment Network
The City is partnering with SensoRy AI to deploy an advanced network of wildfire detection and risk assessment sensors throughout the Irvine Open Space Preserve. Building on the success of last year’s pilot, a large-scale deployment is planned for early 2027. This system will provide public safety agencies with early alerts and real-time environmental data, helping them detect and respond to wildfire ignitions before they spread.
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Receive Early Feedback Before Submitting Your Project
Planning a new business location, expansion, or tenant improvement project? The City of Irvine's Community Development Department gives applicants an opportunity to receive preliminary feedback before submitting a formal application.
Early review can help businesses better understand City requirements, identify potential issues, and determine which departments or approvals may be involved. Taking advantage of this service at the beginning of a project may help applicants prepare a more complete submittal and avoid preventable delays later in the process.
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Expanding Resources for Irvine Businesses
To expand support for Irvine businesses and entrepreneurs, the City awarded $10,000 through the Greater Irvine Chamber Grants Program to five nonprofit organizations that provide specialized business assistance:
Together, these organizations provide mentoring, technical assistance, connections to capital, and other resources to help Irvine businesses and entrepreneurs launch, grow, and thrive.
Congratulations to the recipients! We look forward to seeing these projects take shape and benefit Irvine businesses.
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The Sustainability Transition: Green Business Strategies for the Future
Tuesday, August 11 | 9–11 a.m.
Quail Hill Community Center
Sustainability is becoming both a business imperative and a competitive advantage. This forum will highlight practical strategies to improve environmental sustainability while increasing efficiency, reducing costs, strengthening brand value, and supporting long-term growth. Attendees will hear from industry leaders, the Green Business Program, and City representatives on how sustainable practices can deliver measurable business benefits.
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SBDC Small Business Clinic
Wednesday, August 12 | Select time slots from 5 to 8 p.m.
Quail Hill Community Center
The City is hosting a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Small Business Clinic, where business owners will get the opportunity to connect with an SBDC consultant at no cost for a 30-minute one-on-one meeting and receive answers to their immediate needs pertaining to marketing, operations, financial assessment, and more.
This is an in-person event. Appointments are limited; one ticket per business.
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Business Preparedness Series: Outsmart Disaster Workshop
Tuesday, August 25 | 8:30–11 a.m.
Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Irvine Chamber, in partnership with the City of Irvine, will host a free, hands-on Outsmart Disaster workshop to help businesses prepare for emergencies and other unexpected disruptions.
Business owners and managers will work through guided planning exercises designed to help protect employees and assets, maintain critical operations, and strengthen their organization’s ability to recover.
This workshop is the second installment in the City’s three-part Emergency Preparedness Series for Businesses. View the series flier for the complete workshop schedule and save the dates for the remaining sessions.
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California Competes Tax Credit
The California Competes Tax Credit is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate, or stay and grow in California. Businesses of all sizes and industries may apply, with applications evaluated based on factors including job creation, wages, investment, and the project’s economic impact.
The current application period is open through August 10. A recorded application webinar is available online, providing an overview of the program, evaluation criteria, and step-by-step guidance for completing the application.
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Karin Koch
Director of Economic Development
As the City’s Director of Economic Development, Karin leads efforts to support business growth, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Recently named Staff Leader of the Year at the Association of California Cities — Orange County Golden Hub of Innovation Awards, she oversees implementation of the Economic Development Blueprint and development of the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, working with businesses, educators, and community partners to strengthen Irvine's economy.
Before joining the City, Karin served as Executive Director of University Lab Partners, supporting life science and technology startups, and as Managing Director of Research Innovation and Partnerships at CHOC Children's. Drawing on this corporate innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem experience, Karin is helping strengthen Irvine’s position as a leading destination for innovation, investment, and business growth.
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