The GEM Startup Proof-of-Concept Grant is designed for founders who have completed the discovery phase and are ready to validate customer demand, build prototypes, or prepare for investment.
pre-seed startups
Pre-seed startups launched within the past 1-2 years
UCSB startups
UCSB startups and innovation teams
local founders
Founders based in Goleta or Santa Barbara
Planning to relocate
Teams planning to relocate to the region
mvp focus
Entrepreneurs preparing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Welcome to the Goleta Entrepreneurial Magnet (GEM) — a regional center of excellence where bold ideas meet the resources, relationships, and momentum needed to become real businesses. Born from a powerful collaboration between the City of Goleta and the University of California, Santa Barbara, GEM has been fueling the Santa Barbara region’s science and technology startup ecosystem since 2012. We connect emerging entrepreneurs with a curated network of professional services, mentors, advisors, and angel investors, while providing direct financial support through our Startup Proof-of-Concept Grants. Whether you’re validating your first idea, building your minimum viable product, or looking to plant roots in one of California’s most dynamic innovation communities, GEM is here to help you grow — faster, smarter, and stronger.
Technology Management's New Venture Program & Competition invites undergraduate and graduate students from all academic disciplines to pursue entrepreneurial education alongside their core studies.
Access 1,500 square feet of dedicated wet bench laboratory space with 3-to-12 month leases available.
The University of California, Santa Barbara "feeds the network" by creating event programs and providing institutional space for special events.
An ideal space for startups exiting UCSB's on-campus incubators, OASIS offers dedicated laboratory workspace, bench and office infrastructure, facility services, and proximity to shared research resources.
We offer fast-track solutions and develop policies to support a vibrant start-up community, asking "What do you need now?" and delivering quickly.
Professional Services Referral Network
Mentorship / Advisor Network Referrals
Angel Investor Network Referrals
Startup Assistance Grants
Bring your idea, your team, or your early-stage venture into the GEM ecosystem