Operate Smarter. Compete Stronger.
Transform the way your business operates with practical AI strategies, expert guidance, and modern technologies that improve efficiency, strengthen competitiveness, and prepare your company for the future of manufacturing.
Built for Manufacturers
Manufacturing is evolving rapidly, creating new opportunities for companies that embrace digital technologies, AI, and operational innovation. BizTech Connect is designed specifically for manufacturers ready to modernize their operations, strengthen their role in the supply chain, and support Inland Southern California's growing innovation economy.
Whether you're a machine shop, fabricator, contract manufacturer, industrial supplier, OEM, or manufacturer serving industries like aerospace, defense, medtech, robotics, cleantech, transportation, or advanced materials, BizTech Connect provides practical strategies to help you improve efficiency, adopt emerging technologies, and compete in an increasingly advanced manufacturing landscape.
Supporting the Future of Manufacturing
BizTech Connect connects manufacturers with the expertise, tools, and innovation ecosystem needed to improve operational efficiency, adopt emerging technologies, and remain competitive in an evolving industrial landscape.
2026 BizTech Connect Cohort Dates
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Fall 2026: Riverside
Fall 2026: Riverside ExCITE Class Schedule
Date Time Format Topic 9/21/26 5:30 - 7:30PM In-person Session 1: Intro 9/28/26 5:30 - 7:30PM Virtual Session 2: Foundation for Growth 10/5/26 5:30 - 7:30PM Virtual Session 3: Strategic Growth and Operational Efficiency 10/12/26 5:30 - 7:30PM In-person Session 4: Financial Planning, Execution, and Growth 1st & last classes will be at Riverside ExCITE:
3600 Lime St Building 7 Suite 725
Riverside, CA 92501
2026 BizTech Connect Curriculum
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Session 1: Introducing Yourself and Your Business
- Elevator Pitch: Learn how to capture attention and communicate your business's unique value proposition.
- Vision & Mission: Clarify your business goals and objectives for long-term success.
- Capability Statement: Develop a clear statement that highlights your business's strengths.
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Session 2: Foundation for Growth
- SWOT Analysis: Identify your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
- Value Proposition & Target Market: Define your value to customers and pinpoint your ideal market.
- Scaling Readiness: Assess your business's current capacity and set clear, measurable growth goals.
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Session 3: Strategic Growth and Operational Efficiency
- Growth Strategies: Explore new markets, expand your product or service offerings, and leverage technology to fuel growth.
- Customer Acquisition & Retention: Develop strategies to attract and retain customers, utilizing feedback for continuous improvement.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamline processes, measure performance through KPIs, and build a scalable business model.
- Team Building: Learn how to attract, empower, and retain talent to support your business's growth.
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Session 4: Financial Planning, Execution, and Growth
- Financial Projections & Metrics: Create budgets, manage cash flow, and understand key financial metrics for growth.
- Scaling Roadmap: Develop a step-by-step roadmap for implementing your growth plans, with a focus on managing risks and mitigating challenges.
- Funding Options: Explore different funding avenues—bootstrapping, investors, loans—to fuel your business's expansion.
Meet Your Instructor
Serial entrepreneur Gioia Messinger is a technology executive and board director with more than 30 years of experience helping companies leverage AI, connected technologies, and digital innovation to drive business growth and operational transformation. As Founder and Principal of LinkedObjects, Inc., she advises organizations on integrating AI and IoT to improve efficiency, modernize operations, and accelerate innovation.
Previously, Gioia founded and led Avaak, Inc.—now Arlo Technologies (NYSE: ARLO)—where she pioneered one of the world's first smart home security platforms. Throughout her career, she has developed products that have sold tens of millions of units, holds 15 patents, and has helped organizations bring breakthrough technologies from concept to commercialization.
Today, Gioia serves on the boards of Guild Holdings (NYSE: GHLD), One Stop Systems (NASDAQ: OSS), Hunter Industries, and Indyme Solutions. She is passionate about helping manufacturers and technology companies embrace innovation, strengthen competitiveness, and prepare for the future of industry.
Ready to Modernize Your Manufacturing Business?
Join a community of forward-thinking manufacturers leveraging AI, technology, and operational innovation to build a more competitive future.
Questions about the program? Please email us at tp@ucr.edu.