![🎓 LA’s Startup Edge Round 2](https://dot.la/media-library/image.png?id=53502466&width=2000&height=1500&quality=85&coordinates=180%2C0%2C180%2C0)
In light of last week’s article, we want to highlight some additional schools that have a significant impact on LA’s tech landscape. If we’ve missed any schools or founders worth including let us know!
Image Source: LMU
Loyola Marymount University
LMU plays a significant role in developing Los Angeles' tech workforce by offering various programs and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. The university fosters innovation and entrepreneurship through:
- LMU College of Business Administration: Provides entrepreneurship-focused programs and courses, including the Entrepreneurship Program, which offers hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities for students interested in starting their own businesses.
- Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering: Collaborates with industry partners on research projects and offers programs like the Engineering Clinic, where students work on real-world problems for corporate sponsors.
- Fred Kiesner Center for Entrepreneurship: Serves as a hub for entrepreneurial activities, offering resources such as the Business Incubator program, pitch competitions, and networking events to support student and faculty startups.
Companies Founded by LMU Alumni: Liquid I.V. by Brandin Cohen, Dave by Jason Wilk, Abstract by Pat Utz
Image Source: CSULB
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
CSULB plays a significant role in developing Long Beach's entrepreneurial ecosystem through various programs and resources. The Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE) at CSULB serves as a central hub, offering initiatives like monthly Innovation Hours, a social justice entrepreneurship program, and the annual Sunstone Innovation Challenge with $50,000 in prizes. CSULB fosters innovation and entrepreneurship through:
- College of Business: Hosts the Apostle Enterprise Lab, a two-course entrepreneurship program open to all CSULB students, which includes participation in business ideation and innovation challenges.
- Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Collaborates with local organizations on initiatives like Launch Long Beach, Accelerate Uptown, and Black Business Strategies to support underrepresented entrepreneurs.
- Partnerships with Downtown Long Beach Alliance: provides programming and mentoring to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students, faculty, staff, and the community.
Companies Founded by CSULB Alumni: Oculus VR and Anduril by Palmer Luckey (technically not an alumni because he dropped out before graduating), Dreamworks Animation by Steven Spielberg
Image Source: Claremont McKenna College
The Claremont Colleges
The Claremont Colleges serve as a significant source of talent for Los Angeles' tech and venture capital workforce, leveraging their strong academic programs and entrepreneurial resources. Harvey Mudd College, renowned for its exceptional engineering program, contributes a substantial number of highly skilled graduates to the tech sector. The consortium's collaborative approach to fostering innovation is exemplified by initiatives like:
- The HIVE: This hub enhances students' creative problem-solving skills through collaborative and interdisciplinary experiences.
- Claremont McKenna College's Silicon Valley Program: Offers students an immersive off-campus study experience that integrates internships, coursework, and networking opportunities in the heart of the tech industry, preparing them for careers in innovation and venture capital..
- The Makerspace at Harvey Mudd College: An 8,000 SF student-run facility that allows students to prototype and develop innovative ideas, fostering a hands-on approach.
Companies Founded by Claremont Alumni: TechCrunch by Michael Arrington (CMC), KKR by Henry Kravis (CMC) & George Roberts (CMC), Sun Basket by Adam Zbar (Pomona), GitHub by Tom Preston-Werner (technically not an alumni because he dropped out before graduating from Harvey Mudd)