i4X
i4X, or Innovating for X, is an OIC-led program series designed to bring multidisciplinary student teams to collaborate on disruptive solutions to real-world challenges across different sectors. Currently, The Basement offers the following tracks:
- Innovating for Industry (i4I)
- Innovating for Society (i4S)
- Innovating for Government (i4G)
Past partnerships include JLabs, Radicle Science, City of San Diego, and San Diego Zoo. The program is open to all undergraduate and graduate UC San Diego students seeking a dedicated focus on creative problem solving through the lens of entrepreneurship.
Hear from our participants and partners about their past projects! Watch Now.
All current UC San Diego students (both undergraduate and graduate)are encouraged to apply
Course Description
i4X is a two-quarter-long program designed to bring multidisciplinary teams of students together to create disruptive solutions to real-world challenges provided by regional and national partners (e.g. large corporations, small and medium enterprises, governmental agencies/ municipalities, and non-profit organizations.)
Students will take part in Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Design learning new ways of thinking, learn to drive innovative initiatives, and approach business challenges with a fresh perspective.
Participants in the i4X are encouraged to think broadly about the disruptions and challenges they see around them, those that affect a large number of people, and those that provide the greatest opportunity for impact.
The course learning objectives are:
- Understand Lean Startup Principles
- Understand how to solve complex problems
- Understand entrepreneurial mindset and models
- Understand design thinking and ideation
- Understand how to develop a prototype of the solution
- Understand how to communicate and lead the project
Why You Should Join
- Unique opportunity to have hands-on experience solving complex real-world problems curated by regional community partners
- Fine-tune career readiness skills in an experiential learning environment
- Strengthen problem-solving and communication skills
- Opportunity to network with Basement mentors and community partners
- CCR and AIP 197 credit available
Application
Applications for Winter/Spring 2025 are now open and are due Sunday, October 27th at 11:59 p.m.
Learn more about this year's challenges.
i4x Virtual Info Session | Wednesday, October 23rd, 12 – 12:45 p.m.
Have questions about the i4X program? Attend the info session to learn more.
Register here.
Dates & Duration
Winter/Spring 2025 cohort runs from January 2024 - May 2025
Winter/Spring 2025 Cohort Important Dates
- Late September/Early October: Application opens
- Sunday, October 27th at 11:59 p.m.: Applications due
- Monday, November 4th: In-person interviews*
- By Friday, November 8th: Final application outcomes announced*
- Wednesday, November 13th: Mandatory onboarding for selected teams & partner meeting
*All application status updates and next steps will be communicated via email
Requirements
- Must be a current UC San Diego student
- Regular check-in meetings with the team, challenge partner, and Basement staff
- Attend in-person workshops, class lectures, group meetings, and events
- Participate in team presentations and The Basement’s end-of-the-year showcase in Spring Quarter
- A full listing of program requirements will be available in Canvas for admitted participants
Time Commitment
This is a fast-paced course! The program includes assigned reading/videos, and in-class lectures/discussions, and group meetings. Participants are required to attend a kickoff meeting with challenge partners in November.
Eligibility
Open to all current UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing.
Curriculum
Winter 2025 - Class Schedule
| Module | Date | Start | End | Location | Lecture Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1/7/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Introduction to Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, & Design |
| 2 | 1/14/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session |
| 3 | 1/21/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Business Modeling |
| 4 | 1/28/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session |
| 5 | 2/4/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Intellectual Property |
| 6 | 2/11/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session |
| 7 | 2/18/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Financing Your Startup - Part 1 |
| 8 | 2/25/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session |
| 9 | 3/4/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Presentation Skills & Power of Startup Narrative |
Spring 2025 - Class Schedule
| Module | Date | Start | End | Location | Lecture Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4/1/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session |
| 2 | 4/8/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Design Thinking & Opportunity Framing |
| 3 | 4/15/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session |
| 4 | 4/22/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Customer Discovery |
| 5 | 4/29/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session |
| 6 | 5/6/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Prototyping |
| 7 | 5/13/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Final Presentations & Deliverables |
| 8 | 5/22/25 | 4:00 p.m. | 7:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Demo Day |
Earn Academic Internship Credit
Enroll with the Academic Internship Program.
Internship Dates: March 31, 2025 - June 6, 2025
|
Application Deadlines |
Dates |
|
Submit Learning Agreement to AIP via InternLink |
March 14, 2025 |
EASy Request |
March 21, 2025 |
Dates are subject to change. Stay updated by visiting:
- AIP Enrollment Drop-in Hours
- Learning Agreement Submission
- Enrollment & Registration Calendar 2024-2025
Send questions about AIP enrollment to the Academic Internship Program via the Virtual Advising Center.
Alternative Coursework Credit
Co-Curricular Record (CCR)
UC San Diego has an official record called the Co-Curricular Record (CCR) which highlights student involvement and achievements in opportunities beyond the classroom. I4X program is a co-curricular record (CCR) approved.
How to apply: Students can request the Co-Curricular Record (CCR) with the academic transcript through the Registrar or print an unofficial PDF copy through the CCR Portal.
Micro Badging
Participants will have the opportunity to earn micro badging on specific skill sets listed in the challenge description. Digital badges allow students to showcase certain achievements they have gained through academic coursework and experiential learning. Earners of digital badges can share or display their badges on various online platforms such as LinkedIn and e-portfolios.
Past Projects
Winter - Spring 2024
- Machani Robotics: Prototype development for an AI humanoid to support mental health
- County of San Diego: Streamline digital platform for filmmaker processes
- SANDAG: Analysis of wireless EV charging in San Diego
- Persperion: Market validation for a noninvasive glucose monitor
- JLab: Customer journey and brand analysis for personal technology products
Fall 2022 - Winter 2023
- Zelig/MadaLuxe Group: Consumer behavior and product roadmapping for luxury retail
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Developing prototypes adaptable to multiple habitats
- Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union: Mapping member experience and touchpoints
- Radicle Science: Data analysis for optimizing retention for virtual clinical trials
- San Diego Seals: Sporting and entertainment experience for a professional sports team
Winter - Spring 2022
- JLab: Brand Audit & Analysis
- San Diego International Airport: Business plan for vacant space above the Rental Car Center
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Machine Learning & Data Analytics, Arboreal Feeding Strategies and Automatic Feeding Strategies
- SANDAG: Community-Based Secured Micromobility Storage
- RunBuggy: Reducing Carbon Emissions Using an Automotive Transportation Digital Marketplace
- Radical Science: Creating an Innovative Approach for Collecting and Analyzing Biometric Sleep Data
Winter - Spring 2021
- City of Chula Vista: Support Implementation of Open Data Program & Governance Standards
- Port of San Diego: Designing for Parking Lots of the Future
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Machine Learning & Data Analytics
- San Diego International Airport: In-terminal hydroponic garden for concessions use
- City of Carlsbad: Micro-Targeting for Civic Good
Summer 2020*
- SANDAG: COVID-19 Impacts on Transportation and the Environment
- City of San Diego: Municipal: Microgrid Planning
- Katerva, Greenbuild & Miller Hull: Novel Building Materials
- San Diego International Airport: Methods to help passengers with varying levels of ability get from the curb to gate
*Note: These projects were part of a pilot program of the Converge Summer Incubator program.
