Ready to explore entrepreneurship?
New Local Partnership
Tracy Pitch Events
We’re excited to announce a new partnership between the City of Tracy and Open Innovation Centers to launch the SJC 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 SJC 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.
Interested in pitching?
Sign up to be notified about upcoming information sessions, where you’ll learn how to qualify, what to expect, and how we’ll help you get pitch-ready.
In Partnership With
Past Pitch Events
Curious what past pitches looked like or how participants are evaluated? Explore previous events, watch standout ideas, and understand the scoring criteria used by judges.
Program Partners
Innovation Opportunity
iHUB Innovation Grant Series
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.
Ready to take the next step?
Sign up to learn more about the program, the nomination process, and when upcoming sessions will be available.
New Initiative Space
Lodi Tech Hub
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.
Community Hub By
Interested in being part of the Lodi Tech Hub?
Sign up to stay informed about upcoming events, sessions, and ways to get involved.
Give yourself a couple hours a week to bring your future into focus
SJC Incubator classes and cohort sessions carve out the time you need to succeed.
If you have ever wanted to make your side hustle your full-time job, work for yourself, make that app, develop a product, or deliver a service, this is your chance.
Come and workshop your ideas and get support as you develop a business from idea to launch.
New Program for Stockton Residents
Introducing the Startup Sprint – Stockton
Have an idea? Let’s turn it into a real business—in just 2 weeks.
This brand-new, high-impact program is designed for Stockton residents with low to moderate income who are ready to take action. You’ll come in with an idea and leave with everything you need to launch your business the right way.
Registration Status
Registration Closed
We’ve reached capacity for this session.
Workshops & Events
Online Orientation
Getting Started with the Incubator
Location: Online
Join us and get started with the SJC 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.
RegisterEVERY
THURS
June & July
TinkerCad Thursdays!
Location: 306 E. Main Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Join us every Thursday for an in-person session and drop in anytime during the day to learn how to start 3D Designing and Printing using TinkerCad. Come use our 3D printers, computers, and learn from our experienced teachers!
RegisterJuly
7
2026
Intro to Game Design: Make a Game Idea
Location: Online
Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Learn the basics of game design — genres, goals, mechanics, rules, and story — then create your own one-page game concept with a title, goal, rules, and characters. Beginners are welcomed!
RegisterJuly
20
2026
AI for Job Seekers
Location: 306 E. Main Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Learn how to use AI tools to strengthen resumes, write cover letters, prep for interviews, and research jobs, then put it into practice by improving your own resume with AI. Open to adults, students, and career changers!
RegisterJuly
21
2026
Playing with Circuits
Location: 201 W Locust Street, Lodi, CA 95240
Time: 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Get hands-on with electronics by building simple circuits — from buzzers and LED arrays to lightsabers — while learning the basics of how circuits work. Family-friendly and great for curious kids and beginners alike.
RegisterJuly
22
2026
Lego RoboBattles
Location: 201 W Locust Street, Lodi, CA 95240
Time: 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Design and build your own battle robot using LEGOs, then bring it to life with Xbox controller-based driving and combat. A hands-on, competitive challenge perfect for kids and teens who love building and battling.
RegisterJuly
22
2026
Notion for Business
Location: Online
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Discover how Notion can streamline and organize your business operations, from project tracking to team collaboration. A hands-on introduction to using Notion as your all-in-one workspace.
RegisterJuly
28
2026
Build A Board Game
Location: 306 E. Main Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Learn the basics of game design and logic, then build your very own mini playable game or paper prototype to take home. A fun, creative challenge for families and teens.
Register
Innovation is not a single sudden brilliant idea- it is a process that can be learned.
SJC Incubator cohorts meet weekly with Open Innovation Centers to learn by doing. One week will be hands on workshops the next week applied work towards your idea.
Participants learn and work alongside a group of peers as they take ideas through the innovation cycle. It starts by identifying a problem you want to solve then research and build your solution prototype. We will then user test and iterate your solution until you find what works.
Business Mentorship with SBDC
When ideas are ready to leave the prototype lab, the SBDC (Small Business Development
Center) is here to support entrepreneurs with mentorship on how to succeed as a
business.
The SBDC supports businesses at all stages of business development with
mentorship ranging from business plan development, to raising capital or using quickbooks.
Whole Person Approach
We understand that solving problems and building business solutions don't happen in a vacuum. Our approach includes:
- Self and entrepreneurial discovery
- Mental health support services
- Community-focused cohorts
- Individualized mentorship
By supporting the whole person in the present- we strengthen future entrepreneurial success.
Ready to make the jobs you want to see in San Joaquin County?
Join the SJC Incubator Program and turn your ideas into reality.