Smith Center Event Archives
-
March 5 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM 178-179 Innovation Hub, CORE Building
The Employee Ownership Initiative Launch introduced students to alternative models of entrepreneurship focused on shared ownership, long-term value, and sustainable business practices. Through conversations with industry leaders, attendees explored how employee ownership shapes company culture, leadership, and economic opportunity. The interactive format encouraged open dialogue, allowing students to engage directly with professionals and gain practical insights into real-world applications of ownership-driven business models.
Highlights:
-
Industry leader panel discussions
-
Small-group networking
-
Insights into employee ownership
-
Student and community engagement
-
-
February 25 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Location: CORE 159
The UP Club Welcome Meet introduced students to the club’s mission, culture, and opportunities within the Smith Center. Through fireside chats and speaker sessions, attendees gained real-world insights into career paths, workplace experiences, and entrepreneurship.
Speakers
James Gee | Global Sales Director and the Silicon Valley Chapter Director at Startup Grind.
Shridhar Pilli | Advisor, former Meta and Amazon leader, and Global Executive MBA
Highlights:
-
Introduction to UP Club and The Smith Center
-
Overview of flagship events including Ideathon and Innovation Festival
-
Fireside chat with Shridhar featuring audience Q&A
-
Speaker session by James Gee with practical insights
-
Structured networking and peer engagement
-
Interactive roundtable discussions on career growth and entrepreneurship
-
-
May 8| 12:30 PM – 8:30 PM Location: VBT
The Innovation Festival brought together students, startups, and the community for a full day of ideas, collaboration, and hands-on engagement. Through startup pitches, exhibitions, fireside chats, and interactive showcases, attendees experienced innovation in action. The event created a high-energy environment where students actively presented ideas, connected with industry voices, and explored how to turn concepts into real-world impact.
Event Highlights
-
Startup Street and student-led project showcases
-
Interactive booths and live demonstrations
-
Networking with entrepreneurs and professionals
-
Collaboration across disciplines and student organizations
-
Engagement with the Smith Center and UP Club
Event Partners
- Associated Students Inc
- Career Empowerment Center
- Alumni Association
- Student Investment Fund, Finance Club
- Information Systems Club
-
-
November 20 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Location: CORE 178, Entrepreneurship Hub
Ideathon Conference 2025 provided a collaborative space for students to develop, refine, and pitch ideas. Through structured ideation sessions, startup pitches, and feedback-driven discussions, participants learned how to translate ideas into actionable concepts. The event emphasized active participation, helping students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and engage with peers and mentors in an innovation-driven environment.
Event Highlights
-
Startup Street idea submissions and interactive exploration
-
IEEE “Build” pitches showcasing technical innovation
-
Structured ideation and lightning pitch sessions
-
Real-time feedback from peers and mentors
-
Collaborative environment focused on turning ideas into action
-
Networking with students, innovators, and organizers
-
-
1. Startup Grind
A global startup community that connects founders, investors, and innovators through high-impact events and networking opportunities. Through this collaboration, students gain access to one of the largest startup conferences in the world, opening doors to real-world exposure, mentorship, and industry connections.
2. LG Nova
Partnership with LG’s innovation arm that focuses on emerging technologies and startups. This collaboration provides access to cutting-edge innovation spaces, industry insights, and hands-on involvement, building on prior engagement where the team actively supported and volunteered at LG NOVA initiatives.
3. Startup World Cup (2025 – Hosted at CSUEB)
A globally recognized startup pitch competition hosted on campus, bringing together top startups, investors, and ecosystem leaders. The event elevated campus visibility and provided students with direct exposure to high-level entrepreneurial pitching and venture capital dynamics.
4. VCIC (Venture Capital Investment Competition)
A premier competition simulating real-world venture capital decision-making. Hosted on campus with UpClub’s support, VCIC allows students to step into the role of investors—analyzing startups, conducting due diligence, and making investment decisions alongside industry professionals.
