Innovators Lab
Building AI applications for real-world impact. A collaborative program where students, volunteers, mentors, and community partners design practical tools that make a difference.
What is Innovators Lab?
The Innovators Lab brings together students, volunteers, mentors, and community partners to design and prototype practical tools that address real community or small business needs, creating lasting impact through collaboration.
The goal of Innovators Lab
The goal of the Innovators Lab is to help students and community members level up their skills by building practical AI tools that address authentic community and small business needs.
How it works
Through hands-on collaboration and mentorship, participants identify authentic challenges, develop practical solutions, and create tools that make a real difference in their communities.
PROJECTS & CREATIONS
Explore the tools and applications built by our lab members, addressing real community and small business needs through hands-on AI development.
Spoil Alert
Did you forget about that 5-pound chicken you bought at Costco and end up tossing half of it in the trash? Worry not, because Spoil Alert is here to help. Simply take a photo of your receipt and get alerts before your food spoils.
Virtual Receptionist
A ChatGPT-powered AI virtual assistant that answer questions about your business.
Spot Local
Want to support local but don’t know where to start? Or are you a small business owner looking for better visibility without complicated marketing? Spot Local brings everything together in one simple platform. Discover nearby small businesses and local events, no registration required.
View Project →LAB MEMBERS
Mentors
Aashka Patel
UX Designer @ Global Logisitcs Group
Aditya Mulik
Senior Software Engineer @ Walmart
Dailin Hu
Senior Applied Scientist @ Blizzard
Wesley Wu
ex Software Engineer II @ Amazon
Innovators
Anshul Sinha
Computer Science @ UCI
Eshita Raj Vegesna
MISM @ CMU
Ethan Chu
Data Science @ UCI
Faria Mostafa
Software Engineering @ UCI
Gabriella Ramos
Business Administration @ UNC
Hsiang Lung
Human Centered Design & Engineering @ UW
Isabella Avila Pacheco
Art & Design @ UF
Srikar Mannam
Cognitive Science @ UCSD
GET INVOLVED
Ready to collaborate on creating tangible solutions for your community? Choose your role below to apply to the Innovators Lab. We review applications on a rolling basis and will respond within 7 business days.
Apply as Innovator
Join as a student or community member passionate about creating positive impact through AI.
Requirements
Student, recent graduate, or community member with a passion for AI and collaborative problem-solving.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with a team to design and build AI tools that address real community or small business needs.
Benefits
Build a real portfolio project, gain hands-on AI experience, and grow your professional network.
Apply as Mentor
Share your expertise to guide teams toward practical, impactful solutions.
Requirements
Professional with expertise in design, technology, business, or community development.
Responsibilities
Guide project teams with feedback, industry knowledge, and hands-on coaching throughout the program.
Benefits
Give back to your community, build mentoring experience, and connect with the broader CIF network.
Apply as Partner
Partner with us as a nonprofit, small business, or community organization to co-create practical AI tools.
Requirements
Nonprofit, small business, or community organization with an authentic challenge to solve.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with a lab team to define the problem and co-design a practical solution for your organization.
Benefits
Receive a custom AI tool built for your specific needs at no cost, with ongoing support from CIF.