iiED News

A Year of Innovation, Opportunity, and Community: Reflecting on 2025–2026 at Institute for Innovation and Economic Development

The 2025–2026 academic year marked an exciting new chapter for California State University, Monterey Bay's Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED). With a renewed identity, expanded programming, and a steadfast commitment to student success, iiED strengthened its role as a bridge between the university and the regional business community—creating opportunities for students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to learn, collaborate, and grow together.

At its core, iiED remains committed to connecting faculty and students—many of whom are first-generation college students and come from historically underrepresented backgrounds—with the business community through high-impact educational experiences that foster entrepreneurship, career development, and economic mobility. Throughout the year, that mission came to life through innovative programs, meaningful partnerships, and measurable impact.

Launching a Renewed Vision

The academic year began with the introduction of iiED's refreshed identity and strategic direction. While transitioning from the Startup Monterey brand, the institute reaffirmed its mission to advance economic growth by preparing students with the entrepreneurial mindset and professional skills needed to thrive in today's rapidly changing economy.

The reimagined institute organized its work around three interconnected focus areas: Entrepreneurship, Career Growth, and Innovation Labs. Together, these pillars created multiple pathways for students and faculty to engage with industry professionals, explore entrepreneurial thinking, and develop practical experience beyond the classroom.

Building Entrepreneurial Mindsets

Entrepreneurship remained a defining theme throughout the year. iiED continued expanding opportunities for students and community members to learn from experienced founders, investors, and business leaders.

Executive Director Jenny Kuan once again offered the institute's free online Venture Capital course, designed to demystify venture investing and encourage greater participation among women while remaining open to all learners. The program reflected iiED's broader commitment to increasing access to entrepreneurial education and creating more inclusive pathways into innovation and business leadership.

The year's signature entrepreneurial celebration came in December with the 3rd Annual Winter Night Market. The event welcomed more than 1,000 visitors and featured a record number of student entrepreneurs showcasing products and businesses alongside local vendors. Supported by Bay Federal Credit Union and the City of Seaside, the market transformed campus into a vibrant gathering place where entrepreneurship, creativity, and community converged. Live music, local partnerships, and strong public attendance demonstrated the growing momentum of CSUMB's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

By year's end, iiED had tripled participation among student entrepreneurs at the Winter Night Market compared with previous years, providing even more students with the opportunity to test ideas, build confidence, and engage directly with customers.

Strengthening Career Readiness Through Mentorship

One of iiED's most impactful initiatives continued to be its In-class Mentoring Program within the College of Business. Rather than limiting mentorship to a select group of students, the program brings experienced business professionals directly into required courses, ensuring every student has the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about careers, leadership, and professional growth.

Throughout the year, dozens of volunteer mentors generously shared their experiences, advice, and encouragement with students in small-group discussions. What often began as nervous introductions quickly evolved into authentic conversations that helped students envision their own futures with greater confidence.

The program also highlighted the extraordinary collaboration between volunteer mentors, dedicated faculty, and iiED staff. Faculty members embraced mentoring as an integral component of the curriculum, while volunteers from a wide range of industries demonstrated the power of community engagement in student success.

By the spring semester, iiED had increased in-class mentoring opportunities tenfold, dramatically expanding access to one of the university's most distinctive experiential learning programs.

Advancing Innovation Through Research

Innovation at iiED extended well beyond entrepreneurship to include faculty scholarship addressing today's most pressing business and societal challenges.

The Responsible Business Innovation Lab (RBIL), led by Executive in Residence Kelly O'Brien, continued to serve as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and public engagement. The lab launched its Responsible Business Innovative Research Seed Grants, awarding six faculty members $5,000 grants to support promising early-stage research. Recognizing both the quality of the inaugural projects and the need for early funding opportunities, iiED announced plans to expand the program across the broader university community.

RBIL also welcomed distinguished speakers whose work challenged audiences to think critically about sustainability, resilience, and responsible business leadership. Public lectures featuring travel writer Jeff Greenwald and resilience expert Joseph Fiksel connected students, faculty, and community members around conversations that extended learning far beyond the classroom.

The academic year concluded with a second round of Research Seed Grants, continuing iiED's investment in faculty innovation and reinforcing its commitment to advancing scholarship with real-world impact.

Investing in Students and Community

Behind every successful program is a network of supporters who believe in the institute's mission. During CSUMB's annual Otters Give campaign, iiED raised more than $12,000 from 39 generous donors, providing critical resources to sustain programming, support student opportunities, and strengthen community partnerships.

These investments made it possible to expand entrepreneurial programming, grow mentoring initiatives, support faculty research, and develop new opportunities for students across disciplines. They also underscored the important role that alumni, business leaders, volunteers, and community partners play in helping iiED fulfill its mission.

Celebrating a Year of Impact

As the academic year drew to a close, iiED celebrated graduating student interns, recognized faculty researchers, and reflected on a year defined by growth and collaboration.

The institute demonstrated that meaningful economic development begins with investing in people. Students gained confidence, faculty advanced innovative research, entrepreneurs found opportunities to grow, and community partners deepened their connection to the university.

The 2025–2026 academic year affirmed iiED's vision of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset across every discipline at CSUMB while strengthening the region's innovation ecosystem. Through expanded programs, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and an unwavering commitment to student success, the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development continues to empower the next generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers.

As iiED looks ahead, it does so with growing momentum and a clear purpose: creating even more opportunities for students and the community to learn, connect, innovate, and build a more resilient and prosperous future together.

Visit our webpage to learn more: Institute for Innovation and Economic Development