Newsroom

Stella Zhang Gives $750K to UC Irvine New Venture Competition

• By UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business

Irvine, CA - (March 13, 2025) -

The UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business is delighted to announce that alumna Stella Zhang (MBA ’05) has extended her annual gift to the New Venture Competition (NVC), increasing the total prize fund from $100,000 to $150,000 annually over the next five years.

This transformative $750,000 commitment will further solidify the competition’s role as a premier launchpad for entrepreneurial innovation. “The Stella Zhang New Venture Competition” will continue to be named in recognition of her generosity.

"I’m honored to help student entrepreneurs make their dreams a reality," said Zhang. "I look forward every year to seeing what new ideas the students bring to the competition. It’s very inspiring."

The NVC offers an unparalleled opportunity for UC Irvine students, staff, researchers, and community members to form teams, create startups, and compete for substantial cash prizes and professional services. Over the course of seven months, participants gain full ownership of their ventures, access valuable tools and resources, and collaborate with industry mentors to transform their concepts into viable businesses.

“Stella’s generosity is what makes this competition possible,” said Merage School Professor Imran Currim, founder of the competition. “Her new gift will allow the New Venture Competition to accomplish even more in the next five years, fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives.”

Merage School Dean Ian Williamson echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the competition’s impact: “The New Venture Competition’s success is a testament to the importance of providing hands-on entrepreneurial experiences. This program equips students with the skills, confidence, and resources to drive innovation and make a meaningful difference.”

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Merage School is dedicated to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs by providing them with education, mentorship, and resources to bring their ideas to life. The Center’s mission is to foster a culture of innovation and to prepare the next generation of leaders to make a lasting impact on the world. These transformative activities are made possible through the generosity of donors like Stella Zhang, whose contributions help sustain and expand the Center’s initiatives.

Past competition winners have included trailblazing startups such as Sentinel, an AI-based monitoring system for truck drivers, and Neomold, a 3D-printed customizable ear mold designed to correct newborns’ outer ear deformities non-surgically.

Stella Zhang’s increased support underscores her enduring commitment to UC Irvine and her belief in the power of entrepreneurship to create a better future.

For more information about the Stella Zhang New Venture Competition, visit https://merage.uci.edu/research-faculty/centers/innovation-entrepreneurship/new-venture-competiton.html

 

About The Paul Merage School of Business

The UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business is dedicated to developing innovative leaders who drive value creation through strategic thinking, global understanding, and a commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth.

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