IRVINE, CA – February 6, 2024

Octane, the global leader in convening and building a diverse innovation community, expediting access to capital and resources, and delivering solutions at an accelerated pace, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated annual 2024 Tech Innovation Forum and the return of OC Innovation Week. In collaboration with UCI Beall Applied Innovation, the Orange County Business Council (OCBC), and the Orange County innovation ecosystem, this event promises to showcase the diverse industries and organizations propelling Orange County to the forefront of both technology and medical technology innovation.

Scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, April 30th, at the UCI Beall Applied Innovation at the UCI Research Park, OC Innovation Week will feature Fast Pitch with presentations from over 30 early-stage Tech, Clean Tech, and Med Tech companies. These exciting emerging companies are seeking seed to series A funding and their presentations will cater to institutional and private investors. Many of these participating companies have completed Octane’s LaunchPad SBDC program, providing qualified investors with AI-based analytics to guide their investment decisions.

Jeffrey Ball, President/Chief Executive Officer of the Orange County Business Council, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to join forces with Octane in fostering innovation within Orange County. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to cultivating a thriving technology and medical technology ecosystem, further solidifying our region as a hub for groundbreaking advancements.”

The subsequent two days will host the prestigious Tech Innovation Forum at AV Irvine, where entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and professional services firms will gather for an immersive experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to dive into cutting-edge content and the latest breakthroughs in tech innovation during interactive sessions. The event will feature expert-led discussions, providing insights from some of the brightest minds driving next-generation technology solutions.

Errol Arkilic, UCI’s Chief Innovation Officer, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “OC Innovation Week and the Tech Innovation Forum play a pivotal role in showcasing the dynamic innovation landscape of Orange County. It’s a testament to our commitment to fostering collaboration and driving advancements in technology.”

Tech Innovation Forum is focused on shaping the future of Southern California, emphasizing collaboration and innovation. The event will take place on May 1-2 at AV Irvine, creating an environment where ideas flourish, and partnerships are forged. The event will showcase expert-led discussions, with a spotlight on Palmer Luckey, a renowned entrepreneur and visionary in the tech industry, who will deliver a keynote address at the 2024 Tech Innovation Forum. His insights and experiences will undoubtedly inspire attendees as they explore the latest breakthroughs in tech innovation.Palmer Luckey, Founder Anduril Industries and renowned entrepreneur and visionary in the tech industry, will be one of the keynotes at the 2024 Tech Innovation Forum. His insights and experiences will undoubtedly inspire attendees as they explore the latest breakthroughs in tech innovation.

Rita Battocchio, Head of Events at Octane, shared her insights on what the Tech Innovation Forum will bring to attendees, saying, “The Forum is more than just an event; it’s an immersive experience where collaboration and innovation thrive. This event aims to showcase the vibrant activities in Orange County for 5 days, providing a unique window into what transpires during the other 360 days of the year.”

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience. Keep an eye out for the upcoming announcement of the complete agenda and further updates! Tickets to attend Fast Pitch and Tech Innovation Forum are now on sale. For more information and to secure your spot, visit octaneoc.org/tif.

Event Details:

• Innovation Week Kickoff: Fast Pitch on April 30th at UCI Beall Applied Innovation
• Tech Innovation Forum: May 1-2 at AV Irvine
• Stay tuned for more events being added as part of OC Innovation week! 
• More Info: https://innovationweek-oc.com/ 

About Octane
Octane fosters a future-focused ecosystem of tech and medtech companies across Southern California by connecting people, resources, and capital. Octane’s mission is to drive innovation and growth by facilitating the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and resources that fuel the growth and development of Southern California’s tech and medtech industries.

Octane impacts the community through LaunchPad, a top-performing accelerator, Octane Capital & Growth, a platform to provide companies with capital and growth resources, Ignite Series, in person and on-demand leading content and events, and Octane Foundation for Innovation, focused on furthering our mission while advancing diversity and inclusiveness.

Learn more at octaneoc.org. 

Media Contact
Natalie Matsumoto, Director of Marketing
949.459.3402