Academy

A collaboration between the UC Merced Venture Lab, and UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Central Valley Entrepreneurship Academy is the premier academic program for commercializing innovations in science, engineering, social science, and humanities. The academy is open to everyone in the community, aspiring entrepreneurs, and undergrads, graduate students (master’s and doctoral), postdocs and faculty from all academic fields.
The program is taught by investors, entrepreneurs, university faculty, and industry experts who serve as mentors and guest speakers. You'll gain the knowledge and networks needed to explore and develop the commercial potential of your research or venture.
Key topics include how to ask the right questions to grow your venture, investigates its market, technical and business potential; build a team, protect your intellectual property, develop a presentation, and expand your network.
The Academy Includes:
- An opportunity to explore the market opportunities surrounding your ideas and your research.
- Daily seminars and interactive sessions taught by leading investors, industry executives and entrepreneurs.
- The tools to communicate the broader potential of your venture or research.
- Evening mentoring sessions with industry executives, entrepreneurs and investors, who give you real-world feedback and guidance.
Program is funded for the Central Valley Entrepreneurship Academy is provided by the State of California through Assembly Bill 2664: University of California Innovation and Entrepreneurship Expansion.
CVEA 18 Schedule PDF
How to Apply
The academy is open to community members and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as upper-division undergrads, graduate students, postdocs and faculty from all academic fields.
Complete your online application >
Program Costs
There is no charge to attend the Central Valley Entrepreneurship Academy. Coffee/tea, lunch and dinner are included. Participants are responsible for their lodging, transportation and parking fees.
Please note: Need-based grants are available to cover travel and lodging expenses. Please indicate your interest in being considered for a grant on the application.
Schedule, Location and Travel Information
The academy will take place Tuesday through Thursday, October 2–4, 2018, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto. To gain the full benefit of the academy experience, please plan to attend all sessions.
Please check back for schedule updates.
2018 Keynote Speaker
BIO WITH BITE: INSIGHTS FROM A SERIAL AG BIOTECH ENTREPRENEUR

Pam Marrone
CEO and Founder, Marrone Bio Innovation
RSVP now to join us for a networking mixer and talk on Tuesday, October 2, following that day’s academy.
Dr. Pamela Marrone founded Marrone Bio Innovations in 2006 to discover and develop effective and environmentally responsible, biologically based products for pest management and plant health. In August 2013 she led the company IPO on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
2018 Featured Speakers
Andrew Hargadon
Faculty Director
UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Joe Dinunzio
Interim Executive Director
UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Peter Schuerman
Associate Vice Chancellor, Research and Economic Development
UC Merced
Shane Smith
Of Counsel at
McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth LLP
Mel Turner
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
E. & J. Gallo Winery
Roger Werne
Deputy Director of Industrial Partnerships
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Tamba Balé
Co-Founder and CFO
Sweep Energy
Agustin Roldan
CEO and Hardware Engineer
Sweep Energy
Mark Jackson
Founder and Executive Director
The Pi Shop
Aubrey Priest
Program Manager
The UC Merced Venture Lab, Modesto
James Bates
President of Operations, Strategic Partnerships and R&D/Co-Founder
Data Path, Inc.
John Selep
Investor, Advisor and Business Coach
Technology-based Businesses
Lou Friedman
Attorney
Gianelli | Nielsen
Tim Keller
Executive Director
Inventopia
Domenica Escatel
Brand and Business Strategist
If you have any questions please email Carla Sanchez at csanchez49@ucmerced.edu