Inside the eHub: Berkeley’s Latest Addition to a World-Class Innovation Network

eHub building on Berkeley’s campus

UC Berkeley has been at the forefront of entrepreneurship and innovation, forging bold ideas with rigorous academics to tackle the world’s toughest challenges. From deep tech to climate solutions, Berkeley equips students and faculty with the tools, networks, and mindset to build ventures that make a real impact.

The New eHub: A Nexus for Innovation

In February 2025, Berkeley Haas opened the doors to the new Entrepreneurship Hub (eHub), a milestone that further strengthens the university’s thriving startup ecosystem. Tucked inside a beautifully restored, historic building designed by legendary architect and Berkeley alumna Julia Morgan, the eHub is more than just a space—it’s a launchpad.

Designed to meet students where they are in their entrepreneurial journey, the eHub offers three semester-long tracks: Search, Test, and Build. These tracks cater to different stages of venture development, from idea exploration to market testing and company-building. For those just beginning to explore entrepreneurship, the eHub welcomes the “entrepre-curious”—students who aren’t yet building but are curious about how entrepreneurship might fit into their academic or professional paths. To make the most of the rich resources across campus, the eHub Navigator helps students chart personalized pathways through Berkeley’s innovation landscape.

Shortly after the grand opening, the Cal Fund toured the space with the eHub team. Innovation was in the air—whiteboards full of sketches, focused students huddled over laptops, and an open-door dynamic where big ideas took shape. You can catch a glimpse of the tour in the videos below. We will also be sharing insights from the interviews on the Cal Fund LinkedIn.

Where Innovation Becomes Impact

Berkeley’s startup spirit is thriving, and the rankings prove it. According to the 2024 PitchBook university rankings, Berkeley leads globally in the number of venture-backed startups founded by undergraduate alumni. Notably, Berkeley also leads for female-founded startups, with 283 female undergraduates founding 281 companies that have collectively raised $7 billion in funding. Behind these numbers is a comprehensive support ecosystem—one that includes curriculum, capital, mentorship, and world-class infrastructure.

Shared Carry Funds

Berkeley has pioneered a unique funding model through its shared carry funds, where participating venture funds commit to sharing a portion of their profits (carry) back to the university. This model creates a powerful incentive loop: when startups succeed, Berkeley benefits, too.

California Innovation Fund is proud to be one of eight funds in this structure. Current Dean Rich Lyons gave this interview when he was Chief Innovation Officer explaining the value of the shared carry funds and why they are becoming an increasingly vital pillar in the innovation ecosystem.

Learning to Lead: A Cross-Disciplinary Entrepreneurial Curriculum

Entrepreneurial thinking isn’t confined to one department at Berkeley—it’s woven throughout the university. A sampling of the curriculum includes:

• Berkeley Haas Entrepreneurship Program: Offers courses that bridge business with science, international development, and biotech innovation.

• Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (SCET): Home to the Berkeley Method of Entrepreneurship, which supports students in developing the critical thinking and observational skills to be successful entrepreneurs.

• Berkeley Changemaker: A program with over 40 courses aimed at helping students discover their passions and build leadership and innovation skills.

Accelerators, Labs, and Hubs Fueling the Future

Berkeley’s ecosystem includes a powerhouse lineup of accelerators and innovation hubs that help ideas move from lab to market:

• Berkeley SkyDeck: A leading accelerator for students, faculty, and alumni, providing funding, mentorship, and a fast track to commercialization.

• Bakar BioEnginuity Hub: Offers cutting-edge lab space and access to investors for life science startups.

• Bakar ClimatEnginuity Hub: Currently piloting in the Bakar building, this new center will offer co-working space, labs, and startup support to help climate innovators turn technologies into real-world solutions.

• LAUNCH Accelerator: UC’s flagship accelerator, which has helped raise over $1.8 billion across 250+ companies.

The opening of the eHub marks the latest chapter in Berkeley’s story of entrepreneurial leadership. With unparalleled resources, a culture of experimentation, and a deep commitment to impact, Berkeley remains one of the best places in the world to turn bold ideas into world-changing ventures.