IRVINE — A preview of the second annual Irvine Tech Week, April 16-21, took place Monday at the Sunstone Management headquarters with a press conference featuring Irvine Mayor Farah N. Kahn and Councilmember Tammy Kim.
In addition to the city officials, Irvine Tech Hub Executive Director Melinda Pang talked about the major events planned for the week and John Shen, founder of Sunstone Management and American Lending Center, explained the purpose behind the first-ever Dream Run, including the Irvine Tech Week 5K and the FirstGen Color Run.
“The return of Irvine Tech Week underscores the critical role of innovation within our great City,” Mayor Khan said. “Throughout my tenure, fostering technological advancement and cultivating an entrepreneurial environment has remained a top priority. Initiatives like the Irvine Accelerator, in collaboration with Sunstone Management, and Innov8, exemplify our commitment to bolstering tech-centric endeavors. All these combined aims to attract and retain the most innovative ideas, individuals, and commercial ventures to our City.”
The inaugural Irvine Tech Week was deemed a success in that it highlighted the city’s efforts to focus on innovation.
“The City of Irvine is known as the ‘City of Innovation,’ and as we look into the future, we must elevate our economy and future-proof our community for the next generation,” emphasized Councilmember Tammy Kim. “I am grateful for the Council’s support in my initiative for Irvine Tech Week, aimed at attracting start-up investors, incubating early-stage tech companies, and accelerating them right here in Irvine. Last year’s inaugural Irvine Tech Week was a tremendous success, thanks to the support of our sponsors and community partners, and this year’s event is expected to be bigger than before!”
Activities begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday with a Resource Fair and Kickoff Event at the Irvine Civic Center. Founders and service providers have the chance to show off, and there will be a founders panel, speakers, a Venture Capital panel and more. Register at lu.ma/itwkickoff.
Events during the week range from pitch competitions to panels on a wide variety of topics. Sunstone Management will host a panel from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday focusing on Accelerating Tech and Economic Development through Public-Private Partnerships with an emphasis on the creation of the Irvine Tech Accelerator. It is free to attend; go to lu.ma/3r1yrgz6.
“Irvine Tech Week has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Melinda Pang, Irvine Tech Hub executive director. “In just our second year, we’ve doubled our featured events and tripled our community partnerships, a testament to the vibrant ecosystem we’re cultivating. Moving forward, our focus remains on empowering founders and fostering a thriving tech community, and we’re excited for the continued success and impact that lies ahead.”
Back for the second year is the TechStars Startup Weekend, where entrepreneurs spend 54 hours over three days to develop a new startup. The top three winners will get to pitch their concept at the big Wrap Party on Sunday. Go to irvinetechweek.com for more information and to register.
People can get up early Saturday morning to participate in the first ever Dream Run, including the Irvine Tech Week 5k and the FirstGen Color Run. It all starts at 8 a.m. at Mike Ward Community Park, 20 Lake Road, in the middle of Irvine. American Lending Center and Sunstone Management, Inc., are platinum sponsors of the event and are putting it on with the help of the city. Gold sponsors are the UCI Merage Beall Center, Daydream Cinema & Creative, Beta University with UpHonest Capital, and Wong and Associates, Lawyers, P.C.
“This is a great way to have fun at Irvine Tech Week and celebrate all those pursuing the American Dream,” said John Shen, founder of American Lending Center and Sunstone Management, Inc. “We are honored to be able to provide this addition to this important week.”
Registration is available online at runsignup.com/Race/CA/Irvine/IrvineTechWeek5KColorFunRun or onsite the day of the run. Proceeds benefit the Sunstone Community Fund to help innovators and entrepreneurs, with particular attention to the launch of the Irvine Tech Accelerator.
Irvine Tech Week ends with a celebration – the Wrap Party at Hangar 244 in the Great Park (8000 Great Park Blvd.). From 6 to 8 p.m., there will be music, photo booths, balloons and more. Organizers promise it will be a party worthy of the happening Irvine Tech Week has become.
All of the details and registration materials are available at the Irvine Tech Week website, irvinetechweek.com.
Contacts
Jennifer Huang
Sunstone Management
(562) 732-0617
Jennifer.huang@sunstoneinvestment.com