Innovation Month: April 2025
Innovation Month is brought to you by the County of Riverside Office of Economic Development, the University of California, Riverside, the Riverside Community College District, many cities, educational institutions, private businesses, and related organizations to bring awareness to the many areas of innovation and entrepreneurship in the County.
During the month of April, entrepreneurs and business startups have opportunity to pitch their product or service at a regional fast pitch for a chance at winning cash prizes. For a list of events, scroll down below.
Riverside County Innovation Month: April 2025
Startup World Cup Finale October 17, 2025
For the first time, Riverside County Office of Economic Development is taking Innovation Month to the global stage through an exciting partnership with Startup World Cup and Human Bulb. Local startups now have the chance to compete for a $1,000,000 equity investment at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in October 2025.
Entrepreneurs are invited to participate in a regional fast pitch competition, where they’ll present their ideas to investors, business leaders, and elected officials. The Pitch Finale winner will go on to represent Riverside County at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale, competing alongside top startups from around the world!
*For additional details, click 'Learn More' below!
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FREE Virtual Startup Pitch Training
In 2025, HUMANBULB is offering FREE Pitch training virtual workshops thanks to generous grant funding. Their goal is to help startups improve their pitch to compete in Startup World Cup and other pitch competitions to help grow the startup ecosystem.
For additional details, click 'Learn More" below.
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Our Numbers
9 Innovation/Incubator Centers
8 Years of Celebrating Innovation Month
2.44 Million Population
1,171,867 Labor Force
Featured Video
Voltu Motor Inc. is redefining the future of transportation with cutting-edge electric truck technology—right here in Riverside County. With the support of Riverside County’s innovation ecosystem, Voltu is turning bold ideas into real-world solutions. Access to industry partnerships, testing facilities, and business resources has played a key role in accelerating their growth.
In this video, hear from the Voltu Motor team as they share how their in-house developed electric powertrains are eliminating traditional EV limitations—delivering performance without compromise. With a relentless focus on quality, reliability, and sustainability, Voltu is driving forward a cleaner, more efficient future for commercial transportation.
#RivCoED #RivCoNow #Innovation #RivCoInnovation #BusinessIncubator #BusinessResource #BusinessEcosystem #ResourceCenter #SmallBusiness #BusinessStartup #Entrepreneur #CleanTech #Voltu #EV #Electrification
Spotlight Videos
Showcasing Riverside County's incubators, innovation centers, and pioneering companies.
Celebrating entrepreneurship, creativity, and cutting-edge ideas
Press Release
Riverside County Innovation Month returns this April! Now in its eighth year, this month-long event brings together startups, investors, business leaders, and industry experts for fast pitch competitions, workshops, networking events, and panel discussions. With a new partnership offering local startups a chance to compete in the Startup World Cup for a $1,000,000 equity investment, Innovation Month continues to position Riverside County as a hub for business growth and innovation.
8th Annual Riverside County Innovation Month Sponsorship Opportunities
April's Riverside County Innovation Month is a showcase of innovative companies throughout Riverside County.
Riverside County Claims its Place on the Innovation Map
Throughout its history, Riverside County has been a home to innovators.
Riverside County Office of Economic Development Announces 8th Annual Innovation Month With Global Exposure And Investment Opportunity For Startups
A vibrant tribute to innovation and entrepreneurship, honoring the robust ecosystem that nurtures small businesses.
List of Events
The following scheduled list of pitch events. Click on each tab to expand the location and flyer of each event.
Coachella Valley Regional Fast Pitch
Wednesday - April 9, 2025
8:30 - 10:30 AM at Cathedral City Council Chambers, City Hall – 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City, 92234
Entrepreneurs, it’s time to submit your emerging business for the 2025 Coachella Valley Fast Pitch!
Pitch your idea to a panel of experts
Get direct feedback on your business, product, or concept
Gain visibility
Compete for prizes
Compete for a chance to progress to the Riverside County Fast Pitch Finale, where there is a $20,000 (and growing) prize pool!
NEW THIS YEAR! The chance to earn a spot at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, where the top prize is a $1,000,000 equity investment!
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Southwest Region Quick Pitch
Thursday - April 10, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM at The Corporate Room - 34846 Monte Vista Dr., Wildomar, CA 92595
Participants will have the opportunity to present a five-minute pitch to a panel of judges. The regional fast pitch prize winner will receive a cash prize of $1,500. Additionally, this winner will advance to the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale, competing for the countywide grand prize.
The Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale Winner will then have an opportunity to pitch at the Startup World Cup Finale for a chance to win $1,000,000 in equity.
To apply, complete the form application below and send via Email to: [email protected]
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2025 NavalX Crucible Pitch Competition
Wednesday - April 16, 2025
Location: Online
Join us for the NavalX Crucible Pitch Competition as the Year 2 cohort brings their innovative technologies to life on stage. Attendees will witness these aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of seasoned experts, forging connections and receiving crucial feedback.
Don’t miss this chance to be inspired, make valuable connections, and support the future of tech innovation.
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Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Entrepreneur Fast Pitch Competition
Tuesday - April 15, 2025
2:00 - 5:00 PM at the Hemet Public Library - 300 E. Latham Ave, Hemet, CA 92543
Celebrate Innovation Month with Riverside County & the City of Hemet! Entrepreneurs and startups, showcase your groundbreaking ideas in a rapid 5-minute pitch to a panel of expert judges. The Regional Fast Pitch Winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and advance to the Riverside County Innovation Month Finale, with a chance to qualify for the Startup World Cup and Compete for $1,000,000 in Equity.
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Riverside Regional Fast Pitch
Thursday - April 17, 2025
5:30 - 8:30 PM at EXCITE Riverside - 3600 Lime St. Building 7, STE 725, Riverside, CA 92501
Compete to win up to $2,500 in cash prizes at the Riverside Regional Fast Pitch Competition & advance to the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale for a chance at $20,000.
The Riverside County Pitch Finale Winner will compete at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco to compete for an investment prize of $1,000,000.
Applications close April 8, 2025.
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Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale
Wednesday - April 30, 2025
5 - 8:00 PM at the Riverside Convention Center - 3637 5th St, Riverside, CA 92501
April is Riverside County Innovation Month, a showcase of innovative companies throughout Riverside County.
This high-energy finale brings together ten standout startups from five regional Fast Pitch Competitions, showcasing the best in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar during the cocktail hour, then watch as these visionary entrepreneurs pitch their ideas live for a chance to win $20,000 in cash prizes—and a coveted spot at the Startup World Cup, where they’ll compete for $1,000,000 in equity.
It’s an evening of bold ideas, meaningful connections, and the future of startups—all in one place!
Free to attend!
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Riverside County
Innovation/Incubator Centers
There are 9 Innovation/Incubator Centers throughout Riverside County that support innovative growth through public and private partnerships.
