About the Center
Entrepreneurship for Every Student
The Randall Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation brings UCR's entrepreneurship education and student startup support together in one place. Students work in teams on real challenges brought by businesses, communities and civic organizations. Along the way they build an entrepreneurial mindset, a network of mentors, and the skills to launch something of their own.
Learn About the Donor
Through a generous donation to the University of California, Riverside, real estate leader and philanthropist Randall Lewis established the Randall Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Housed within UCR’s Office of Research and Economic Development (RED), the Center serves as an interdisciplinary hub designed to equip diverse undergraduate and graduate students with startup resources, experiential education, and hands-on guidance to convert bold ideas into thriving ventures.
As Executive Vice President and a Principal of Lewis Management Corp. (a member of the Lewis Group of Companies), Randall brings over 50 years of real estate development and community-building experience to this vision, continuing a family legacy of leadership begun by his parents, Ralph and Goldy Lewis. Beyond his business leadership, Randall is an active supporter of health, education, regional governance, and the arts—a commitment reflected at UCR through both the Center and the Lewis Policy Fellows Program in the School of Public Policy, as well as similar innovation centers across Southern California.
Programs & Support
How the Center works
The Center builds on the hands-on model of UCR's Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept and Innovation Center (EPIC), a nationally recognized program for startup creation and technology commercialization.
Course · For credit -Entrepreneurship course (ENG 110)
A for-credit course offered through the Undergraduate Division and open to students in any major. Piloted in spring 2026, it is offered twice a year starting in Spring 2027.
Mentorship - Mentors matched to you
Guidance from founders, industry experts and faculty, including more than 20 EPIC Entrepreneurs in Residence.
Venture pipeline - From idea to startup
Student product ideas and inventions move straight into EPIC's startup development pipeline, with access to proof-of-concept funds, pitch competitions and incubator space.
Competition · Seed funding - Undergraduate Innovation Challenge
An annual challenge and showcase for undergraduate innovators with $40,000 in seed funding prizes. Winners go on to a pitch competition among Randall Lewis centers in the region.
Workshops - Bootcamps and workshops
Short, hands-on sessions that help students test ideas early, find co-founders and discover their strengths as entrepreneurs.
Policy - Lewis Policy Fellows
Fellows in the School of Public Policy advocate at the state and national level for programs that support entrepreneurial training and innovation.
Get Involved
Ways to Take Part
Students
Enroll in ENG 110, join a workshop, form a team for the Innovation Challenge, or bring an idea you already have. No business background required.
Mentors
Founders, investors, and professionals can coach student teams; judge competitions; or serve as a Mentor-in-Residence.
Supporters
Gifts at every level fund seed prizes, mentorship and the Center's endowment. Contact the Center to learn about giving opportunities.
Businesses and Community Organizations
Bring a real challenge for student teams to work on, host a site visit, or partner with the Center on events and internships.
Regional Partners
The Center collaborates with entrepreneurship centers across the Inland Empire: Claremont McKenna College, University of La Verne, and California State University, San Bernardino.