Welcome to Innovate@UCLA’s 2025 Journey
As we welcome the new year, Innovate@UCLA is thrilled to receive our newest members and announce the 2025 Executive Board. This year marks a significant chapter in our journey as we continue to foster collaboration and innovation among the brightest minds in technology and business. Our board, comprised of industry leaders, visionaries, and innovators, is poised to lead us through the challenges and opportunities ahead. Their expertise and commitment will help us create impactful programs, foster meaningful partnerships, and advance thought leadership in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and sustainability.
January began with the joy and celebration of the iconic Rose Parade, a tradition that highlights the creativity and community spirit of Southern California. However, this bright start was quickly overshadowed by the devastating wildfires fueled by the fierce Santa Ana winds. Our thoughts are with the thousands of families affected by these tragedies, and we sincerely hope our members and friends are safe. These events remind us of the critical importance of resilience, unity, and the need for innovative solutions to mitigate the growing challenges of climate change. UCLA has dedicated space in their new Research Park, in partnership with the local government and FEMA, for recovery efforts and will be advising on climate change impacts to aid in sustainable rebuilding efforts.
This year brings transitions not only for our country but also for the IT community, as we experience the far-reaching impacts of AI. Once considered a distant possibility, the influence of AI is now undeniable, reshaping industries and societies at an unprecedented pace. Ever evolving shifts can be expected, such as the impact of DeepSeek, disrupting the AI world and investment markets by creating a scalable and possibly more efficient open-source large language models. As innovators and leaders, we carry a shared responsibility to embrace AI ethically and thoughtfully.
Innovate@UCLA will focus on fostering discussions, hosting roundtables, and delivering insights to equip our members to lead in this evolving landscape. We believe this collaborative approach is essential to navigating the complexities of AI while ensuring its benefits are shared broadly. Plus, we have the resources of research and academic expertise from UCLA to further our knowledge and discussions!
Looking ahead, we hope 2025 will not only be a year of recovery but also a pathway to hope and prosperity. Through our programs and partnerships, we aim to inspire resilience, drive innovation, and deliver impactful results for our community. Together, we can rise to meet the challenges of our time and create a future defined by progress and possibility. Thank you for being part of Innovate@UCLA’s journey—we look forward to making this year one of meaningful transformation and shared success.
Warm regards,
Jim Rinaldi
Executive Director, Innovate@UCLA