Building AI applications for
real-world impact.
WHAT IS INNOVATORS LAB?
The Innovators Lab is a collaborative program that brings together students, volunteers, mentors, and community partners to design and prototype simple, practical tools that address real community or small business needs.
Through hands-on collaboration and mentorship, participants work together to identify authentic challenges, develop practical solutions, and create tools that make a real difference in their communities.
JOIN OUR LAB →PROJECTS & CREATIONS
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.
January 2026
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 →HOW IT WORKS
Join a highly selective program designed for students and early career professionals to build their first portfolio while contributing to AI for social good.
Apply
Highly SelectiveChoose your role as an Innovator, Mentor, or Community Partner and submit your application. Tell us about your passion for social impact and what you hope to learn or contribute.
Review & Selection
Our team carefully reviews each application. We select candidates who demonstrate passion for social impact, commitment to collaborative learning, and readiness to contribute to real-world projects.
We maintain a selective process to ensure quality mentorship and meaningful project outcomes.
Matching
We match you with projects aligned to your interests and research goals, and pair you with expert mentors who have deep knowledge in your field. Build meaningful connections that extend beyond the program.
Build & Create
Portfolio-ReadyWork hands-on to develop real solutions for community needs. Gain practical experience, build your first portfolio, and create tangible projects that demonstrate your skills and impact.
Make Impact
Launch your work and see real-world impact as your solutions help communities thrive. Join our growing alumni network of innovators contributing to AI for social good.
Ideal for students and early career professionals building their careers in tech for social impact.
LAB MEMBERS
Mentors
Aashka Patel
UX Designer @ Global Logisitcs Group
Aditya Mulik
Senior Software Engineer @ Walmart
Dailin Hu
Applied Scientist @ Blizzard
Wesley Wu
ex Software Engineer II @ Amazon
Lab Members
Anshul Sinha
Computer Science @ UCI
Ethan Chu
Data Science @ UCI
Faria Mostafa
Software Engineering @ UCI
Gabriella Ramos
Business Administration @ UNC
Isabella Avila Pacheco
Art & Design @ UF
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.