At Caltech, entrepreneurship isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a living, breathing aspect of everyday life. The institute’s longstanding history of research and innovation provides the perfect backdrop for ventures that aim to challenge the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

For example, did you know the pH meter was created by Caltech Alumni Arnold O. Beckman? This invention led to the founding of the company Beckman Coulter, which has an annual revenue of above $3 Billion dollars.

But don’t worry! You don’t need to invent something like the next pH meter for your idea to receive support. Recently, my partner Katherine Xu and I experienced firsthand the thrill and challenges of entrepreneurship through Caltech’s First Bill Gross Business Plan Competition. This competition, named after and initiated by Caltech’s alumni Bill Gross, offers students like us not just a platform but a launching pad for turning innovative ideas into tangible businesses. Our project, which focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline the drug development process, was one of the fifteen student teams fortunate enough to receive funding. This support
has catapulted our vision from concept to a potential catalyst for change in the biotechnology sector.

Beyond securing funding, our victory in the competition—Caltech’s very own rendition of “Shark
Tank”—granted us access to invaluable mentorship and insights. We benefited from the
seasoned expertise of entrepreneurs, dedicated faculty, and venture capitalists, who provided
us with guidance and strategic advice essential for navigating the complex landscape of startup
development.

All in all, while Caltech is a premiere research institution, it also excels in cultivating a
vibrant culture of entrepreneurship. This dual focus on cutting-edge science and innovative
business practices prepares students not only to contribute to their fields but also to become leaders in
transforming their discoveries into practical applications that can benefit society.