UCR Breaks Ground on SoCal OASIS Innovation Park, Marking a Major Milestone for Inland Empire Innovation

Dignitaries and regional leaders break ground on UC Riverside’s SoCal OASIS Innovation Park—launching a 50,000-square-foot hub poised to power clean energy, sustainable transportation, and inclusive innovation across the Inland Empire.

Riverside, CA—The Innovation Empire team was proud to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the SoCal OASIS Innovation Park, a transformative 50,000-square-foot facility set to open in 2027 in downtown Riverside. Spearheaded by the University of California, Riverside’s Office of Technology Partnerships, SoCal OASIS (Opportunity to Advance Sustainability, Innovation, and Social Inclusion) will serve as a catalyst for clean energy, sustainable transportation, and technology-driven economic development in the Inland Empire. This public-private initiative has already secured over $65 million in federal and state funding and garnered strong support from regional partners committed to advancing the region’s innovation ecosystem.

The Innovation Park aims to position Riverside—and the broader Inland Empire—as a nationally recognized center for inclusive, sustainable technological advancement. The event featured remarks from UCR Chancellor Kim Wilcox, Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock-Dawson, former California State Senator Richard Roth, and other regional leaders. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to innovation, economic development, and collaboration across different sectors.

The SoCal OASIS Innovation Park joins a growing network of nine other regional

innovation assets, including the Inland Empire Tech Bridge, Riverside ExCITE, and the Murrieta Innovation Center. These centers collectively support the development of dual-use technologies, entrepreneurship, and STEM workforce pipelines that strengthen national competitiveness.

For the past eight years, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors has recognized

April as Innovation Month—an annual celebration of innovation featuring pitch

competitions, startup workshops, and ecosystem convenings. San Bernardino County recently echoed that commitment, designating April as Innovation Month through 2030. Together, these efforts reflect a unified regional strategy to empower homegrown innovation and drive long-term economic impact.

Stay connected with the people, programs, and partnerships driving technology, entrepreneurship, and economic growth across the Inland Empire by checking out innovationempire.us.