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UC San Diego + California Institute for Telecommunications & Information Technology

Qualcomm Institute Innovation Space

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The Qualcomm Institute Innovation Space provides a unique environment where startup ventures and industry partners come together to accelerate technology creation and commercialization.

Since it opened its doors in 2014, the QI Innovation Space has served as a launching pad for dozens of emerging companies and nonprofits in the fields of education technology, data science, medical technology, virtual and augmented reality and more.

Tenants gain access to the full array of QI services—from prototyping to nanotechnology fabrication, events support and grant writing—as well as opportunities to collaborate with world-class faculty, researchers and students/interns.

Unlike incubators that exist elsewhere on the UC San Diego campus, QI does not take an equity stake in companies leasing space in the Qualcomm Institute Innovation Space facility. Instead, QI receives income from participating entities to the extent that they hire QI for a variety of services, which also help contribute to the venture’s success.

Incubated at QI

The QI Innovation Space has provided a launching pad for many emerging companies and organizations. In addition to receiving space inside QI’s Atkinson Hall, participating groups have easy access to QI services, faculty collaborators and student employees, supporting the ventures’ success.

FAQs

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Companies must be focused on developing innovative technology with the potential for commercialization. Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Technology and Market Impact: What is the technology you are planning to develop in the Qualcomm Institute (QI) Innovation Space? What is the problem your technology or system is trying to solve? What are the current or potential target markets for your technology, service or system, and who are your competitors?
  • Current Funding Status and Commercialization Timeline: What is the current funding status of your company or institution (e.g., seed funding, angel investors, VC funding, SBIR/STTR, etc.)? Do you expect to be within 1-2 years of significant investment or sustainable commercial revenues?
  • Operations and Utilization Plan: What activity will occur on the property? What are the specific benefits that your company hopes to derive from having offices or a lab in the QI Innovation Space? What facility/equipment requirements does your company have? Do you plan to deploy any instrumentation and/or types of hardware in the space? Do you currently or have plans to use additional facilities, labs or workspaces within Qualcomm Institute or other locations on campus? Does your company have any previous, ongoing or planned collaboration with UC San Diego professors, research scientists, student interns, labs or research centers? 

 

WHAT KIND OF STARTUP AND IN WHAT INDUSTRIES DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF? Along with technology startups in various industries–like consumer products, life sciences, software, AI/machine learning, EdTech–we also accept applications from non-profits, social entrepreneurs, and service-oriented organizations. We will consider any application from companies demonstrating a scalable, high-growth potential business model with meaningful impact on its target market demographic.

 

WHAT OTHER APPLICATION MATERIALS DO YOU REQUIRE? There are no other requirements aside from the completed application. Letters of endorsement from UC San Diego collaborators named in the application may be submitted along with the application, as they may be helpful in understanding your company’s technology impact.

 

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?

Applications are reviewed by the Qualcomm Institute Executive Committee on a rolling basis, even if space may not be currently available, in which case approved applications may be subject to a waitlist.

 

HOW LONG DOES THE VETTING PROCESS TAKE?

From the time of application submission to decision usually takes four weeks. If approved, additional steps to a fully executed lease agreement typically takes another four weeks. 

 

WHAT SERVICES AND AMENITIES ARE INCLUDED IN THE INNOVATION SPACE RESIDENCY?

Access to conference rooms and shared use spaces (kitchen, open meeting spaces) is available at no additional charge. We also offer access to event spaces, core laboratory facilities and services, and other in-house services (editorial, technical and grant writing, creative services) at additional charge through service agreements.

 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE INNOVATION SPACE RESIDENCY?

Any services through campus not specifically offered and charged by the Qualcomm Institute are not covered in your lease agreement, but are available at additional charge. This includes campus network access, parking, mail services, etc.

 

WHAT OTHER BENEFITS DOES A QI INNOVATION SPACE RESIDENCY OFFER?

The QI Innovation Space is an integral member of the UC San Diego entrepreneurial ecosystem, which affords companies the opportunity to participate in other campus innovation and commercialization programs and initiatives that support startups in their journey.

 

HOW LONG CAN MY COMPANY REMAIN IN THE QI INNOVATION SPACE?

If approved by the Executive Committee, companies are able to sign one- to two-year leases. Companies usually begin with a standard, one-year lease, renewable for an additional one-year lease without additional review (see sample lease).

 

IS MY COMPANY REQUIRED TO MEET MILESTONES?

We do not require reporting. However, we may invite your company to present at an innovation event or be interviewed by the institute communications team to be featured on our website, newsletter or other publication. 

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY COMPANY NEEDS TO TERMINATE OUR LEASE AGREEMENT?

We require 30 days written notice to terminate the lease without penalty, subject to deductions from damage, loss or unpaid rent.

 

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

To learn more about the QI Innovation Space or to begin the application process, please contact Lovella Cacho at ldcacho@ucsd.edu.