On April 29, 2025, the USC Office of Research and Innovation officially welcomed the inaugural class of the Early Career Innovator Award recipients, marking the launch of a new internal program designed to empower undergraduate and graduate students interested in innovation, startups, and translational research.
Held at Rock & Reilly’s USC, the welcome mixer brought together awardees, campus leaders, program mentors, and members of the broader innovation community to celebrate the beginning of this new initiative. Guests enjoyed food, conversation, and met with program leadership, setting the tone for what promises to be a transformative experience for the inaugural cohort.
A Hands-On Pathway for Aspiring Innovators
Launched in Spring 2025, the Early Career Innovator Award provides an immersive experience for for students interested in working alongside USC-affiliated startups, translational research teams, or entrepreneurial programs. The initiative is designed to offer early exposure to the startup lifecycle, from customer discovery and market research to investor outreach and product development.
By placing students inside real-world innovation environments, the program aims to build foundational skills, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and expand the pipeline of future founders, investors, and technology leaders at USC.
Awardees were selected through a competitive application process and matched with hosts across campus, including participants in USC Techstars Catalyst, internal funding awardees, and research commercialization teams.
Building a Community of Innovators
The April 29th mixer was more than a kickoff—it was an opportunity to build community among students and mentors who will be working closely over the coming months. Attendees shared ideas, heard from past program participants, and celebrated a shared commitment to advancing innovation at USC.
Looking Ahead
The Early Career Innovator Award is part of a broader effort by the Office of Research and Innovation to cultivate a thriving, inclusive innovation ecosystem at USC. As the inaugural cohort gets underway, the program team looks forward to expanding opportunities for student innovators in future cycles.
