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.
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 2026 are now open and are due Sunday, October 26th at 11:59 p.m.
Learn more about this year's challenges.
Dates & Duration
Winter/Spring 2026 cohort runs from January 2026 - May 2026
Winter/Spring 2026 Cohort Important Dates
- Early October: Application opens
- Sunday, October 26th at 11:59 p.m.: Applications due
- Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday November 3rd-5th: Virtual interviews*
- By Monday, November 10th: Final application outcomes announced*
- Thursday, November 13th: 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 | 1/6/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Introduction to Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, & Design |
| 2 | 1/13/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #1 |
| 3 | 1/20/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Business Modeling |
| 4 | 1/27/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #2 |
| 5 | 2/3/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Intellectual Property |
| 6 | 2/10/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #3 |
| 7 | 2/17/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Financing Your Startup - Part 1 |
| 8 | 2/24/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 473 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #4 |
| 9 | 3/3/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Presentation Skills & Power of Startup Narrative |
Spring Class Schedule
| Module | Date | Start | End | Location | Lecture Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3/31/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session#5 |
| 2 | 4/7/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Design Thinking & Opportunity Framing |
| 3 | 4/14/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #6 |
| 4 | 4/21/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Customer Discovery |
| 5 | 4/28/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Partner check-in meeting & Team working session #7 |
| 6 | 5/5/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 208 | Prototyping |
| 7 | 5/12/26 | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | DIB - 151 | Final Presentations & Deliverables |
| 8 | 5/21/26 | 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.
Winter Quarter 2026
Internship Dates: January 5, 2026 - March 13, 2026
|
Application Deadlines |
Dates |
|
Submit Learning Agreement to AIP via InternLink |
October 20 - December 5 |
|
EASy Request |
December 12 |
Spring Quarter 2026
Internship Dates: March 30, 2026 - June 5, 2026
|
Application Deadlines |
Dates |
|
Submit Learning Agreement to AIP via InternLink |
January 6 - March 13 |
EASy Request |
March 20 |
Dates are subject to change. Stay updated by visiting:
Send questions about AIP enrollment to the Academic Internship Program via the Virtual Advising Center.
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
