“Startup Dreams Take Flight, City Spirits Soar!”
As an innovative rap lit up the room, robots danced to the beat at the May 7 launch of 2026 Irvine Tech Day at the Beckman Center.
More than 200 founders, investors, and community leaders turned out for a high-energy night of networking.
Creativity Leads • Tech Soars
This Irvine Tech Day series, presented by Sunstone and ALC with support from the Irvine City Council and community partners, opened with an Entrepreneurs Reception.
The emcee also recognized the many ethnic chambers and community partners in attendance, and gave special thanks to the Beckman family for their longtime support of tech and innovation in Irvine and across the nation.
Sunstone founder John Shen said Irvine Tech Day was not meant to copy Los Angeles or New York Tech Week, but to create a more connected, more powerful, community-centered innovation event designed specifically for Irvine.
He added that entrepreneurship is more than competition.
It builds intelligence, resilience, and discipline, and even when a business fails, entrepreneurs grow stronger and keep giving back.
Startups Unite • Communities Thrive
John Shen said Irvine Tech Day is not just for startups. It brings together small businesses, nonprofits, students, and founders of all ages, making innovation a citywide effort.
Jasmine Jiang, SVP of Investment Operations, said the event centers on intellectual partnership, community, and innovation.
She thanked startup entrepreneur, investors, educators, and community partners, and invited founders to share their visions onstage.
Bridges Built • Talent Shines
Friday, May 8 marked Irvine Tech Day’s main event. The City Hall Startup Marketplace showcased VR drones, robot dogs, cloud kitchens, home robots, and more, drawing crowds to experience innovation firsthand.
Inside City Hall, a fireside chat and two innovation panels brought together UCI’s Imran Currim and other industry-academic leaders to discuss innovation and sustainable growth, drawing a full audience.
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At noon, activities move to Sunstone headquarters for the Mentor Mixer and the first Pitch Irvine Semi-Finals at Sunstone Stage.
In partnership with UCI’s ANTrepreneur Center, 16 startup teams pitched across AI, health innovation, energy/mobility, and DTC/business, with eight advancing to the City Council Chamber finals.
Each category winner will receive $1,000, and finalists will also compete for a $1,000 People’s Choice Award.
Dreams Lead • Futures Launch
Beyond tech and startups, Irvine Tech Day also backs community causes.
Organizers said the Irvine Dream Run has grown from 300 runners to 1,100, with proceeds supporting startup grants, accelerators, and pitch competitions.
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Irvine Tech Day has drawn broad support from government, academia, venture groups, chambers, and nonprofits, underscoring both its wide appeal and the leadership of Sunstone and ALC.
As more dreamers, builders, and supporters come together in this city, Irvine Tech Day is leading more than an annual event.
It marks a bold new start for a city moving faster into the future.