Institute for Innovation and Economic Development

About the Institute

The Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED) at Cal State Monterey Bay connects faculty and students—many of them first-generation and low-income—to the business community to advance economic growth through high-impact programs that close opportunity gaps and provide real-world career development

iiED, home to Startup Monterey Bay

Located within CSUMB’s College of Business, the iiED supports regional economic growth by helping students and entrepreneurs turn ideas into action. As industries shift and new challenges emerge, the Institute is expanding its student-centered approach through hands-on learning, mentorship, and entrepreneurial experience.

Many students, particularly first-generation and underserved populations, continue to face barriers to economic mobility. iiED bridges this gap by connecting students, faculty, and the business community through programs that spark innovation and create real pathways to opportunity.