News - USC Paves the Way for Innovation at the Venture & Innovation Summit

Inside the bustling auditorium of the USC Venture & Innovation Summit, the air was thick with curiosity and optimism. Cassius Palacio, a fifth-year student at the USC School of Architecture, attended the event with a notebook ready, expecting to gather information for a group project. What he found instead was a wellspring of inspiration and prospects that transcended his academic focus. The summit commenced with a compelling panel discussion that explored the symbiotic relationship between USC and the dynamic Southern California tech and startup environment. This dialogue revitalized Palacio's resolve and equipped him with insights into leveraging his USC education and connections to construct a successful career path. "That session illuminated what industries to explore and invigorate my curiosity about what interdisciplinary ventures could emerge right now," Palacio reflected, acknowledging the expanded perspectives he gained. Drawn to the USC event were over 450 attendees, including students, entrepreneurs, and academics, filling the seats at the Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Human-Centered Computation Hall. The summit highlighted the role of USC in nurturing startups and the entrepreneurial spirit within the Los Angeles region. Among the attendees were renowned industry leaders who spoke on how USC's contribution to entrepreneurship is shaping innovation. "This extends beyond just USC—it's about USC's duty to the region's development," stated Ishwar K. Puri, USC's Senior Vice President of Research and Innovation. The summit painted a vivid picture of L.A.'s standing in the startup scene. Notably, Thousand Oaks-based Amgen, a biopharmaceutical titan, underscored its commitment to bolstering the biotech sector in the L.A. area by sponsoring the forum and foreshadowing a collaborative accelerator program with USC. "Our partnership with USC is strong and set to grow even stronger," remarked Rene Hubert, director of early career talent and academic engagement at Amgen. Morning discussions showcased how USC's research and innovation are interwoven with the L.A. tech ecosystem, from collaborations with venture giants like Techstars to the Keck School of Medicine's efforts with institutions like Larta Institute. "The discussion isn't about whether L.A. could become an innovation hub—it's already there," noted Rohit Shukla, Larta Institute's CEO. "The challenge is crafting a sustainable and repeatable innovation system in the region." For Zohaib Suhail, a chemistry doctoral student, the summit offered pivotal clarity. Previously concerned over the sparse startup presence in his field, Suhail gained a nuanced understanding of the hurdles and opportunities within L.A.'s startup landscape. "That talk delivered key insights into challenges in the chemistry startup space and how to navigate them," Suhail expressed. Emphasizing the potential for growth, both Palacio and Suhail echoed the aspirational tone of the summit. Palacio urged his peers to partake in such enlightening experiences, while Suhail expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts from USC, Amgen, and other stakeholders aiming to cement L.A.'s innovation future. "Listening to the resources being poured into the L.A. startup domain fills me with hope for a sustainable and flourishing innovation ecosystem," Suhail said.