University of California (UC) was a proud sponsor of Oakland Tech Week 2025, an inaugural celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and community leadership, held November 17-21, in the city of UC’s systemwide headquarters. Organized by HiiiWAV and officially proclaimed by Mayor Barbara Lee, Oakland Tech Week spotlighted the vibrant tech and small-business ecosystem shaping the region’s economic future.
Fostering economic and community impact
UC’s sponsorship reflects our strategic commitment to fostering economic and community impact across California. By investing in entrepreneurs and small businesses that drive Oakland’s growth, UC supports job creation, strengthens the regional supply chain, and helps build a more inclusive and competitive Bay Area tech sector.
Supporting future partners and collaborators
A key highlight of the week was the pitch competition, which showcased emerging startups developing new technologies and business models. For UC Systemwide Procurement, this event offered early visibility into innovative solutions that could become future partners or collaborators. Our presence signaled strong support for entrepreneurial risk-taking while opening the door to meaningful engagement with founders whose creativity fuels Oakland’s innovation economy.
Laying groundwork for regional success
Joined by fellow mission-aligned sponsors, UC Systemwide Procurement is helping lay the groundwork for long-term regional success. This sponsorship fosters valuable networking, deepens relationships with community partners, and demonstrates UC’s measurable commitment to supporting the infrastructure that helps small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive. We look forward to the shared opportunities it will create for both UC and the broader business community.