About The Basement
Our Story
Under the Office of Innovation & Commercialization, The Basement is a one-of-a-kind space for students of all academic disciplines to test innovative ideas, apply theory to real-world experiences, and build companies or social innovation ventures.
The Basement was originally launched in 2015 with the support of Jeff and Kim Belk '83 of Formerly InterDigital Inc., Aryeh Bourkoff '95 of LionTree LLC, and Mark Suster '91 of Upfront Ventures. What began on the lower basement floor of Mandeville Center now resides on the first floor of the Design & Innovation Building, The Basement has evolved into a robust community and network of resources for all things entrepreneurial. The evolution of The Basement stands as a testament to UC San Diego’s commitment to encouraging student innovation and supporting career readiness.
Our Mission
To give UC San Diego students the necessary space, tools, training, and mentorship to explore entrepreneurship and innovation in their own lives and to create novel, diverse solutions that make the world a better place.
Our Values
What we believe in matters. The collective values we hold at The Basement ensures how our mission empowers and gives our students the best possible entrepreneurial experience for the brightest future.
We believe in…
Integrity.
Creativity.
Authenticity.
Empathy.
Resilience.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion. We have a shared responsibility alongside the UC San Diego community to build a community and culture that celebrates, values, and encourages diverse perspectives. In alignment with the Research Affairs Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives and committee, we believe that success is defined by the communities we serve, and achieved by creating equal opportunity for all. Check out our 2019 Inclusive Excellence Award.
Our Impact
The Basement promotes meaningful change and provides an open space for entrepreneurship with a far-reaching impact on campus. Students from all backgrounds and majors can be supported in their journeys and many have gone on to experience success in their endeavors and careers. Read our stories.
Our Success in Numbers
370+
Teams formed
240+
Events hosted
12
Cohorts established
11+
Patents filed
520+
Mentor hours accessed
45+
Companies formed
$525K
Total funds raised
What Folks are Saying
“I joined for a company, but stayed for the community."-Will Landry, Basement Participant 2017 - 2020
“I've always wanted to be a world-driver; one of the people who helps push the world forward. Entrepreneurship and The Basement have given me the opportunity to do just that.”
- Cedric Paige, Basement Participant 2021 - 2022
“I learned about small team dynamics within the co-working space. That understanding of working in different team sizes was incredibly useful in my interview for a larger company upon graduation.”
- Harley Norton, Basement Participant 2017 - 2019
“What I enjoyed the most about The Basement is creating a startup, learning a lot of life lessons, and getting a glimpse of work ethic. I’m very happy that I got so involved with Basement.”
- Payal Kela, Basement Participant 2018 - 2019
“By going through The Basement programs: Converge Summer Incubator, Blackstone Launchpad Incubator, and Blackstone Launchpad Fellowship, I learned more than I ever imagined. The Basement helped me grow as a founder and propel our venture forward.”
- Allan Mac, Basement Participant 2021 -2022