Support the next generation of innovators and founders

As the flagship incubator for student startups within Research Affairs under the Office of Innovation & Commercialization, The Basement’s core mission is developing people by preparing students with the skills to build a business or to contribute to one. Our students are empowered to think big, and explore the development of solutions to help tackle social challenges impacting global communities.

With your help, we can prepare future confident and creative leaders and changemakers who can build inclusive solutions to global challenges. Your support will enable The Basement to double its impact, actualize change, engage diversity, and make pivotal strides in student innovation at UC San Diego. Funding plays a critical role in our ability to impact student development through innovative programs that spark new ventures and entrepreneurial competencies, enabling career readiness.

Your gift will make a meaningful difference to the students that we serve, and 100% of your gift will directly support student programs and resources.

Be part of the entrepreneurial movement.

Show Your Support

Support the next generation of innovators, leaders, changemakers, and founders with a donation to the Office of Innovation and Commercialization.

The OIC

As part of the Office of Innovation & Commercialization (OIC), your gift can make a significant impact on campus innovation here at The Basement.

Support oic

Want to Mentor Students?

Are you an experienced entrepreneur with expertise and a track record in launching successful startups? The Basement teams need your advice and mentorship! Service commitment varies depending on availability.

Apply to be a Mentor

Want to Share Practical Advice?

Have an interesting story about how you launched your business? Share your expert advice, life lessons and how you made it to where you are today. Service commitment varies depending on program interest.

Apply to be a speaker

Become a Project Sponsor

Are you or your organization interested in sponsoring an Innovating for X i4(X) project for students to work on? If you are looking to address a systemic challenge or ways to augment your innovation in your organization or company running an innovation sprint with our students is the ideal solution. Our students are eager to tackle unique challenges by overcoming barriers that hinder the development of breakthrough innovations, whether it’s about technology, knowledge, attitudes, legislation, or infrastructure. Throughout the entire process, teams will be coached by design thinking experts and faculty advisers. Service commitment varies depending on program interest.