Our first session of the Student Entrepreneurs Lab recently welcomed curious and ambitious students from UCB, UCLA, UCI, Uni High School, OCSA, Fairmont, and Crean Lutheran High School for an immersive introduction to the world of AI robotics and tech startups.

Designed to give students a hands-on start-up experience, the lab combined learning, experimentation, and creativity. Throughout the session, students had the opportunity to:

• Explore live robotics demos, witnessing AI-powered machines in action and understanding how cutting-edge technologies are applied in real-world scenarios.

• Engage in role-based startup challenges, stepping into the shoes of entrepreneurs, engineers, and product managers to tackle real business and technical problems.

• Get hands-on with robot controllers, learning to operate and interact with robots to bring their ideas to life.

Led by Kehan Li and Siu Man (Daren) So, the lab emphasized learning by doing. Students were encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and innovate. It was inspiring to see their excitement as they programmed robots, tested solutions, and brainstormed ideas. Many remarked that they gained not only technical skills but also valuable insights into teamwork, problem-solving, and the entrepreneurial mindset.

This session also fostered a cross-school community, connecting students from top universities and high schools across Southern California. Participants exchanged ideas, learned from each other, and gained early exposure to the AI robotics ecosystem.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch our 8-week Student Entrepreneurs Program, which will dive deeper into AI robotics and start-up skills. Over eight weeks, students will:

• Build a strong foundation in AI and robotics fundamentals

• Explore industry trends and real-world applications

• Engage in hands-on hardware and system design projects

• Develop go-to-market strategies, business models, and startup pitches

• Collaborate with peers in cross-functional team challenges and innovation projects

This extended program is designed to nurture students’ creativity, technical skills, and entrepreneurial mindset, giving them the tools to innovate in AI robotics and beyond.

A heartfelt thank you to all students who participated and to our dedicated team for making this first session a success! Your curiosity, creativity, and energy made the lab truly memorable.

Stay tuned to our socials for updates on upcoming sessions, and learn more about our programs and how we’re inspiring the next generation of AI and robotics innovators.