Global Innovation Meets Local Action: UC Riverside Unites International Diplomats, CEOs, and Regional Leaders to Shape the Future of Economic Development in Inland SoCal
Riverside, CA (July 23, 2025) – University of California, Riverside welcomed members of the Los Angeles Consular Corps (LACC) to campus on July 17 for a landmark discussion on international collaboration, foreign direct investment, and the strategic role that universities play in supporting global innovation. Hosted by UCR’s Office of Research and Economic Development, in partnership with its Office of Technology Partnerships, the convening brought together leaders from across sectors, including university faculty, regional government officials, consular representatives, and international CEOs. Together, they explored how academic institutions, local governments, and industry partners can align to position Inland Southern California as a premier destination for global business expansion and innovation.
“At a time when the impact of research is increasingly under scrutiny, gatherings like this remind us why it matters more than ever,” said Dr. Rodolfo H. Torres, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development at UC Riverside. “Research universities like UC Riverside are engines of innovation, education, and economic opportunity. By bringing together global leaders in diplomacy, business, and academia, we’re not just showcasing our region’s potential—we’re actively building an ecosystem that creates jobs, attracts investment, and expands access to knowledge that benefits our communities and the world.”
The event opened with remarks from Vice Chancellor Rodolfo H. Torres, and Zaib Shaikh, Dean of the Los Angeles Consular Corps and Consul General of Canada.
In attendance were Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, City Councilmember Steven Robillard (Ward 3), leadership from the County of Riverside’s Office of Economic Development, representatives from the consulates of 21 countries, and the CEOs of Ohmio and Voltu—two international companies that have recently established their U.S. operations in Riverside.
Also participating were leaders from UCR’s Center for Environmental Research and Technology, University Extension, and International Affairs, reflecting the collaborative spirit that drives innovation and global engagement across the campus and region.
Throughout the day, participants highlighted how UCR plays an active role in fostering international academic exchange, supporting visa navigation for students and faculty, and facilitating global research partnerships. The Canadian Consulate noted that over 95 Canadian-owned companies currently operate in the region, employing more than 10,000 individuals. The Chinese delegation shared details of a new initiative launched in 2023 to bring 50,000 students to China, with over 28,000 already participating in programs such as international summer schools and five-year visa exchanges. These updates underscored the global demand for cross-border educational collaboration and the importance of institutions like UCR in driving those efforts forward.
The City and County of Riverside also outlined how their economic development strategies are designed to work in concert with research universities to attract and retain foreign investment. Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson and County Economic Development Manager Kim Wright emphasized the region’s unified approach, where city, county, and campus stakeholders coordinate to deliver customized support for international companies. This includes access to foreign trade zones, competitive electric and water rates, and a business-friendly environment that removes barriers to entry while maintaining quality of life for employees and their families.
“While international startups may instinctively look to areas like Silicon Valley as a soft landing destination to access the US market, Riverside and the Inland Southern California region offer something uniquely valuable: intentional collaboration among industry, academia and government, affordability, and white-glove service,” said Dr. Rosibel Ochoa, Associate Vice Chancellor for Technology Partnerships at UCR. “We don’t just open the door. We walk through it with you.”
During the final session, executives Dean Zabrieszach of Ohmio and George Gebhart of Voltu Motors shared how the Riverside region helped their companies transition into the U.S. market. Their remarks illustrated the value of hands-on guidance throughout the soft landing process, including support with regulatory navigation and access to UCR’s engineering talent and research resources. Ohmio began manufacturing autonomous vehicles in Riverside in March 2025 and is currently piloting operations in Arizona and New York. Voltu, an international electric vehicle company, chose Riverside as its U.S. headquarters based on the region’s emerging green technology ecosystem and its ability to provide direct connections to skilled talent, industry partners, and institutional resources.
This convening sent a clear message to the international business community. Inland Southern California is not only open for global partnerships, it is strategically aligned, resource-rich, and fully prepared to help international companies establish a strong presence, build momentum, and scale in the United States.
About UCR Research and Economic Development and the Office of Technology Partnerships
The Office of Technology Partnerships is part of UC Riverside’s Office of Research and Economic Development. Together, they advance regional innovation by supporting startups, facilitating cross-sector collaboration, and connecting entrepreneurs and global partners to resources that fuel inclusive economic growth. Through programs, incubators, and strategic alliances, they are helping transform Inland Southern California into a thriving innovation economy.
Media Contact:
Aileen Luib
Office of Technology Partnerships
aileen.luib@ucr.edu
techpartnerships.ucr.edu