The Institute for Research in Innovation, Sustainability & Entrepreneurship (UCMiRISE) is a faculty initiative aiming at spearheading development and growth to foster prosperity through research.

• California’s future is intimately related to the San Joaquin Valley’s successful growth.
• High expectations and hope exist for UC Merced as the engine for the Valley’s transformation and socio-economic growth.
• iRISE will expedite UC Merced’s effects on the Valley’s prosperity and help establish Merced’s leadership status in stimulating growth in the Valley.

Regional concerns with global significance:

• Development and growth through innovation and entrepreneurship
• Environmental sustainability
• Wealth and inequality
• Social entrerprise
• Microfinance and crowdfunding
• Workforce development
• Political initiatives and governance
• Food processing