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.
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 participate in Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Design, learning new ways of thinking, driving innovative initiatives, and approaching business challenges with a fresh perspective. This experience is further enriched through our program content partner, NobleReach Foundation.
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
Student Applications are currently closed.
We're currently accepting applications from organizations interested in serving as challenge partners for the upcoming i4X cohort. For questions about becoming a challenge partner or to learn more about the program, please contact Melissa Campbell at mcampbell@ucsd.edu.
Dates & Duration
Winter/Spring 2027 cohort runs from January 2027 - May 2027
Winter/Spring 2027 Cohort Important Dates
- Early October: Application opens
- Sunday, October 25th at 11:59 p.m.: Applications due
- Early November: Virtual interviews*
- Early November: Final application outcomes announced*
- Early November: Mandatory onboarding & 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 Class Schedule
|
Module |
Date |
Start |
End |
Location |
Lecture Topic |
|
1 |
1/5/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #1 |
|
2 |
1/12/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 208 |
Design Thinking & Opportunity Framing |
|
3 |
1/19/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 208 |
Business Modeling |
|
3 |
1/21/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
5:00 p.m. |
Virtual |
Virtual Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #2 |
|
4 |
1/26/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 208 |
Customer Discovery |
|
5 |
2/2/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #3 |
|
6 |
2/9/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 208 |
Prototyping |
|
7 |
2/16/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #4 |
|
8 |
2/23/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Team Working Session |
|
9 |
3/2/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #5 |
Spring Class Schedule
|
Module |
Date |
Start |
End |
Location |
Lecture Topic |
|
1 |
3/30/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Partner check-in meeting & Team working session#6 |
|
2 |
4/6/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Team Working Session |
|
3 |
4/13/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #7 |
|
4 |
4/20/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Team Working Session |
|
5 |
4/27/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #8 |
|
6 |
5/4/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Team Working Session |
|
7 |
5/11/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Final Presentations & Deliverables |
|
8 |
5/20/27 |
4:00 p.m. |
7:00 p.m. |
DIB - 151 |
Demo Day |
Earn Academic Internship Credit
AIP 197 credit is available for undergraduate students. Enroll with the Academic Internship Program.
Alternative Coursework Credit
UC San Diego has an official record called the Co-Curricular Record (CCR) which highlights student involvement and achievements in opportunities beyond the classroom. The i4X program is CCR approved.
How to apply: Students can request the Co-Curricular Record (CCR) along with their academic transcript through the Registrar or print an unofficial PDF copy through the CCR Portal.
Past Projects
