Let's build a better tomorrow, together.
open innovation centers incubator
OIC Incubator gives aspiring entrepreneurs a supportive place to explore ideas, develop solutions, and build toward launching a business.
If you have ever wanted to turn a side hustle into your full-time job, create an app, develop a product, or offer a service, this program gives you a place to begin.
Through guided workshops, cohort sessions, mentorship, and hands-on activities, you can move your idea from early concept to a solution you are ready to test and share.
Get Started Today
Take a look at past OIC workshops, pitch events, community gatherings, and entrepreneurship programs. Every event creates another opportunity to learn, build relationships, and move an idea forward.
Moments From Our Community
How the Program Works
Work alongside peers, mentors, and the OIC community as you move your idea through discovery, development, testing, refinement, and launch. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Start where you are, learn through the process, and build your idea one step at a time.
Identify a problem, opportunity, or community need that matters to you and begin exploring how you might address it.
Research your audience and begin shaping your idea into a practical product, service, or solution.
Build a prototype, gather feedback, and improve your idea based on what you learn from real people and experiences.
Prepare your idea for customers, partners, pitch events, and the next stage of business development.
What's Happening at OIC
Learn something new, meet other entrepreneurs, and take the next step on your idea through OIC Incubator orientations, workshops, and community events.
Join us and get started with the OIC Incubator. Our Orientation goes over the program and gives us time to understand where you are in entrepreneurship and how we can get you started. These sessions can be done in a group or individual setting.
Schedule your orientation for a date and time that works for you.
Learn the basics of design and utility patents and how they can help protect your invention.
Learn how to research existing patents to see if your idea is already protected or available.
An introduction to trademarks and how they help protect your brand name, logo, and identity.
Explore how intellectual property law applies to AI tools and what is and isn't protected.
We’re excited to announce a new partnership with the City of Tracy to launch OIC Incubator Pitch Events exclusively for Tracy residents.
This initiative will bring quarterly pitch events to the community, giving local entrepreneurs, innovators, and aspiring founders the opportunity to present their ideas, gain exposure, and compete for support.
Through OIC Incubator, we’ll help you develop, refine, and prepare your idea so you can confidently step on stage and make an impact. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already building something, our program is designed to guide you every step of the way.
Sign up to be notified about upcoming information sessions, including qualification details, event expectations, and how we’ll help you get pitch-ready.
In Partnership With
Upcoming Pitch Dates
Quarterly opportunities to develop an idea, prepare a pitch, and present it to the community.
Program Partner
Sign up to learn more about the program, the nomination process, and when upcoming sessions will be available.
Innovation Opportunity
San Joaquin Innovators—this is your opportunity.
If you’re building something innovative in San Joaquin County, iHub in partnership with Open Innovation Centers (OIC) is launching a workshop series designed to help you compete for the Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Award , including a $25,000 prize.
To be considered for nomination, applicants must meet
key requirements such as
fiscal readiness
,
community referrals
,
and
business preparedness
.
This workshop series is built to guide you through the entire process, connecting you with the training, resources, and referrals you need to qualify and position yourself as a strong candidate.
New Initiative Space
We’re excited to expand our ecosystem with the launch of the Lodi Tech Hub , a new initiative by Open Innovation Centers (OIC) designed to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, and community members across the region.
The hub will serve as a collaborative space for connection, learning, and growth — featuring events, workshops, and interactive sessions focused on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
While connected to the SJC Incubator , it goes beyond a single program. It’s a place where anyone—from those just exploring ideas to experienced founders—can engage with the community, build relationships, and access opportunities to grow.
Whether you're looking to learn, share, or connect, this hub is being built for you.
Sign up to stay informed about upcoming events, sessions, and ways to get involved.
A Program for Stockton Residents
Have an idea? Let’s turn it into a real business!
Offered periodically throughout the year, this high-impact program is designed for Stockton residents with low to moderate income who are ready to take action. Participants come in with an idea and leave with everything they need to launch their business the right way.
Limited-Cohort Program
Startup Sprint runs in small cohorts throughout the year. Let us know you’re interested and we’ll reach out when the next session opens.
Get NotifiedBusiness Mentorship
Developing a strong idea is only part of building a business. When you are ready to move forward, OIC Incubator can help connect you with experienced mentors and local business-development resources.
Through relationships with organizations such as the Small Business Development Center, entrepreneurs can continue building their knowledge and prepare for the practical side of running and growing a business.
Explore SBDC ResourcesBuild a clearer path from your idea to a sustainable business.
Learn about funding options and how to prepare for financial opportunities.
Understand the systems and tools that help keep a business organized.
Continue developing your business after the initial idea and launch stages.
The Whole Person Approach
Entrepreneurship does not happen in isolation. We support the person behind the idea as well as the idea itself.
Explore your strengths, interests, goals, and what kind of entrepreneur you want to become.
Recognize that personal well-being and sustainable growth matter alongside business progress.
Build alongside peers who are exploring ideas, solving problems, and learning with you.
Receive guidance and encouragement as your goals, challenges, and business begin to take shape.
Our Community
OIC Incubator works alongside local organizations, agencies, and community partners to connect entrepreneurs with opportunities, resources, and support throughout San Joaquin County.
Start Where You Are
Whether you have a business idea, a side hustle, a problem you want to solve, or you're simply curious about entrepreneurship, there's a place to begin.
