Irvine Tech Day, a major annual gathering of startups, investors, academia, government, and Irvine Dream Run, will kick off on May 7.
From founder receptions and fireside chats to panel discussions, startup showcases, pitch competitions, and Dream Run Charity Event, the event highlights Irvine’s innovation momentum and fuels its rise as a startup city.
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Innovation Rises • City Shines
Presented by Sunstone and ALC with full support from the Irvine City Council and community partners, Irvine Tech Day kicks off Thursday, May 7, with an Entrepreneurs Reception.
The event is by registration only. Details: https://www.irvinetechday.org/
The main program begins Friday, May 8, at 9 a.m. in Irvine City Hall, featuring a fireside chat led by UC Irvine Distinguished Professor and Beall Center Executive Director Imran Currim, followed by two forums on innovation trends and entrepreneur-driven sustainable growth.
Voices Unite • Leaders Rise
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., a pop-up market will be held at Irvine City Hall Piazza and Lobby, showcasing local brands and products.
In the afternoon, events move to Sunstone headquarters for the Mentor Mixer and the first Pitch Irvine Semi-Finals at Sunstone Stage.
Co-hosted with the UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center, the competition will feature promising startups in Applied AI, Healthcare Innovation, Energy & Mobility, and DTC & Commerce.
Finalists return to City Hall that afternoon, where each category winner will receive $1,000, and finalists will also compete for a $1,000 People’s Choice Award.
Ryan Foland, director of the UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center, said Pitch Irvine is more than a competition.
It is a platform to build community, connections, and startup momentum.
Bridges Built • Resources Flow
Beyond tech and entrepreneurship, Irvine Tech Day also extends into health and community impact through the third Irvine Dream Run on May 9 at Great Park.
The event features a morning 5K, a family-friendly 3K inspired by local startup unicorns, plus a post-race expo, live music, and food trucks.
To register for the Irvine Dream Run, please visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Irvine/DreamRunCA
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Sunstone founding partner John Shen said Irvine Tech Day is more than an event.
It is a city platform where founders, investors, experts, government, and the community can connect.
When entrepreneurship becomes part of public life, it creates not just opportunities, but the innovation ecosystem and momentum a city needs to keep moving forward.
Dreams Lead • Futures Begin
The event has drawn strong support from across the community, with sponsors and partners spanning government, academia, venture platforms, business groups, and nonprofits.
It reflects both the broad appeal of Irvine Tech Day and Sunstone and ALC’s leadership in aligning community resources and building shared momentum for innovation.
As more dreamers, builders, and supporters come together in this city, Irvine Tech Day is leading more than an annual celebration.
It marks a bold new start for a city accelerating into the future.