Wavemaker Lab, formerly the PSE-Lab, trains potential entrepreneurs and supports early-stage ventures with high-impact potential by bringing together San Diego’s strengths in technology and entrepreneurship, the School of Global Policy & Strategy’s robust network of successful entrepreneurs and early-stage investors, and its globally recognized expertise in energy and environmental policy, China, emerging markets, national security, and governance and sustainability.

The Wavemaker Lab’s mission is, first, to improve the speed and impact of technology commercialized by Wavemaker Lab ventures and by UC San Diego students whose exposure to entrepreneurship through the Wavemaker Lab enables them to go on to contribute to technology commercialization. Second, we aim to nurture a community of creative thinkers, informed risk-takers, and ambitious builders who will contribute to a growth in innovation and dynamism in the greater San Diego region.

The Wavemaker venture program, a seven-month program designed for startups based primarily in the San Diego region, was launched in the Fall of 2023. The program offers mentorship from the Wavemaker Council, access to scientific and industry experts, legal and financial advice, access to networks of early-stage investors and mentors, access to UC San Diego student expertise. Applications for the second cohort of the Wavemakers venture program will be available in July, 2024.

Through the Wavemaker Lab, I offer two for-credit courses on entrepreneurship for UC San Diego students. “Start-Ups: From Founding to Launch” is an introductory course on entrepreneurship open to GPS and other interested UC San Diego students. A follow-up, project-based course co-taught with Wavemaker Council member James Lambright gives students the opportunity to work with Wavemaker venture program entrepreneurs to solve a problem their start-ups are facing.

Please visit the Wavemaker Lab website for more information.

If you are interested in contributing time or resources to the Wavemaker Lab, please email me.