A Record-Breaking 600+ Attendees for the Cove @UCI’s Official Grand Opening and 5-Year Celebration

UCI Beall Applied Innovation recently celebrated its official grand opening and five-year celebration at the Cove @ UCI with more than 600 guests in attendance, a record-breaking number for the Cove’s five-year history.

The crowds came early and trickled into the lobby, buzzing around the reception desk with anticipation. From there guests roamed around the Beach while a timeline of major events and successes from the last five years displayed on the massive Hiperwall. As the evening continued, the trickle-turned-flood of attendees packed into the Beach and overflow rooms for memorable speeches, and a kick-off introduction from UCI Beall Applied Innovation Executive Director and UC Irvine Chief Innovation Officer Richard Sudek.

“It’s been a great and adventurous road, complete with learning curves and lots of growth,” said Sudek. “We started with 13 people and 1,500-square-feet and in a fast five years, we now have 65-plus employees and you’re currently in this beautiful 100,000-square-foot building. Fast for a startup and really fast for a university startup.”

Up next was UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman, who shared his experience as chancellor and recognized the efforts of UCI faculty and staff at Applied Innovation.

“Because of all of you, we are unleashing the collective power of the university and community to help entrepreneurs build their next big thing, create regional economic development, and scale the innovations that make the world a better place,” said Gillman. “Without UCI Beall Applied Innovation, many innovations now beginning to make it to market would have never gotten their start … many entrepreneurs would not be able to follow their path to their own Modern American Dream.”

The next presenter, Nasam Chokr, CEO of Wayfinder company NOWA Innovations, shared how she is building her own Modern American Dream with her startup. She shared her journey as an entrepreneur and first-generation UCI student. After her parents fled Lebanon during the war, Chokr had to drop out of college and start a new life in the U.S. and is now following a path she is passionate about.

“I think this is exactly the reason I am an entrepreneur,” said Chokr. “I know now the sky is the limit and I must shoot for the stars.”

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Enrique Lavernia concluded the evening by highlighting the impactful connection between UCI faculty and Applied Innovation and the evolution of the university’s traditional roles primarily concerned with research toward a more integrated approach to education, commercialization and innovation.

“Beall Applied Innovation is leading the effort to do just that, while serving as a central place where the community, business and the university can meet and leverage opportunities to help the region strengthen and grow its dynamic economy,” said Lavernia.

Following the presentation, which included a 180-degree video spanning across the Hiperwall of Applied Innovation’s dedication to entrepreneurship and the modern American dream, Applied Innovation staff, dressed in Hawaiian print clothes, gave guests tours of the new space. While surround sound crooned throwback surf tunes from the Beach Boys and other classic oldies to set the ambiance of the Cove’s beach-theme atmosphere, as an added treat, UCI Professor Greg Weiss, organic chemistry extraordinaire and the evening’s acclaimed mixologist, served “BAI Tais” to guests.

Familiar and not-so-familiar faces, including startups, investors, UCI faculty and staff, and community members were seen networking in Applied Innovation’s Beach, Tiki Bar and Longboard Lounge. Guests also took photos at Applied Innovation’s photo booth, watched UCI Esports teams tackle Super Smash Brothers and signed a giant wooden surfboard to commemorate the evening.

Laughter and chatter echoed down the hallways just outside of the Beach and on-the-spot discussions of the modern American dream interlaced conversations.

“For me the epitome of the American dream is to affect change on a global scale and to leave a legacy that’s bigger than you,” said Arjean Hayes, grad student in the Paul Merage School of Business’ Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship program.

The entrepreneur’s modern American dream is alive at Applied Innovation and continues to push entrepreneurs across Southern California to exact change through innovation.

Find out more about supporting innovation and entrepreneurship at Applied Innovation.

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*Photos: Amy Vong, UCI Beall Applied Innovation