Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. It is a leading academic hub within the UCLA Anderson School of Management, dedicated to advancing entrepreneurial education and fostering innovation. Established through a transformative gift, it serves as the nexus for entrepreneurial activity across the University of California, Los Angeles campus and the broader Los Angeles ecosystem. The center provides a comprehensive suite of programs, experiential learning opportunities, and resources designed to empower students, faculty, and community members to launch and scale ventures.

History and founding

The center was established in 2000 following a landmark donation from entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael F. Price. This foundational gift was instrumental in creating a permanent home for entrepreneurial studies at UCLA Anderson School of Management. The vision was to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world business creation, leveraging the strengths of a premier research university located in a global innovation hub. Its creation coincided with the rapid growth of Southern California's technology and startup sectors, positioning it to play a critical role in the regional economy. Over the years, it has expanded its reach and influence through additional support from notable donors and partnerships with leading venture capital firms and corporations.

Academic programs and initiatives

The center oversees a robust curriculum, including the academic specialization in entrepreneurship for MBA students at UCLA Anderson School of Management. Core initiatives include the Knapp Venture Competition, a capstone event where student teams pitch for funding, and the Bruin Entrepreneurs network, which supports undergraduate innovators. Signature programs like the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) provide specialized training. It also hosts accelerators such as the Anderson Accelerator and the Blackstone LaunchPad, offering mentorship and seed funding. These programs are frequently supported by executives from companies like Google, Amazon, and Disney.

Research and innovation focus

Faculty and affiliated scholars conduct pioneering research on topics including venture capital financing, high-technology business formation, and social entrepreneurship. The center often publishes influential studies on the Los Angeles startup ecosystem and innovation clusters. Its research initiatives examine cross-disciplinary innovation, connecting fields like biotechnology, entertainment, and sustainable energy. Collaborations with institutions like the California NanoSystems Institute and the UCLA School of Law's Program on Law and Entrepreneurship are common. This scholarly work informs both classroom teaching and public policy discussions, contributing to thought leadership in economic development.

Facilities and resources

The center is physically housed within UCLA Anderson School of Management's complex, featuring dedicated collaboration spaces, pitch rooms, and prototyping labs. It provides critical resources such as the Price Center Venture Fund, which offers pre-seed investments to student-led startups. Entrepreneurs have access to an extensive network of mentors, including alumni from successful companies like Snap Inc., Bird, and Honest Company. The center also maintains partnerships with major incubators in Playa Vista and Silicon Beach, facilitating connections to the wider Southern California business community. These facilities serve as a central gathering point for events like the Los Angeles Tech Week.

Notable affiliated ventures and impact

The center has been instrumental in the launch of numerous successful companies, contributing significantly to the regional economy. Notable alumni ventures include the mobile banking platform Current, the sustainable apparel brand Outerknown, and the health technology company Proteus Digital Health. Its programs have supported founders who have later secured funding from top-tier firms like Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. The cumulative economic impact is evidenced by job creation, capital raised, and the strengthening of Los Angeles as a competitive alternative to San Francisco and Silicon Valley. The center's focus on inclusive entrepreneurship also supports ventures aimed at addressing societal challenges.

Category:University of California, Los Angeles Category:Business schools in the United States Category:Entrepreneurship organizations