San Jose State University launched its first business incubator. spurt upin front of an estimated 200 students and future partners at SJSU’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library on Thursday, September 22.
The interdisciplinary incubator program supports and provides all resources for SJSU students, alumni, and faculty. need a new venture In addition to top public university assets. SpartUp Covers Your Entire Startup Journey – From idea to prototype to planning to funding.
Launch Director Mash (Michael) Ashley kicked off the event with an audience of aspiring SJSU entrepreneurs and veterans, introducing Mohamed Abousalem, Vice President of Research and Innovation and Abby Queale, Director of Innovation.

Participants flew their own paper airplanes to demonstrate the creation and journey of their startup endeavors. Photo: Robert C. Bain.
“SpartUp serves as a resource hub for Spartan innovators at every stage of their startup journey,” explains Ashley. “We can effectively reach underserved people and first generation entrepreneurs in a way that other incubators have not. This has been a game changer for many new entrepreneurs across the SJSU community. will be.”
The launch event included dynamic pitches by four student and alumni Spartanauers. — Founding member of the SpartUp Incubator — Role-play the pitch they used to start a successful business venture.
Hubert John Abiera Brinkfolio, ’12 Mechanical Engineering started Brinkfolio in 2012. 2022.
“SpartUp is an important step for SJSU to become one of the leading innovation centers,” explains Abiera. “SJSU takes the next step from providing high impact, innovative talent to providing high impact, innovative companies.”
Symbolizing the creation and “flying” of ventures, 200 hands tossed handmade paper planes into the air and flew over the smiling crowd gathered to launch SpartUp.
“The excitement was palpable about the opportunities and potential that the incubator would offer to the already dynamic and innovative Spartan community through its strong ties to Silicon Valley.” “With our new SpartUp program, San Jose State University will , helping alumni, faculty and staff innovators pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, and we can’t wait to celebrate their successes along the way.”

Mohamed Abousalem, Vice President of Research and Innovation, addresses attendees at SpartUp’s launch event. Photo: Robert C. Bain.
Abousalem added that SpartUp is the sum of many parts. It will act as a collaborative ecosystem to participate in SJSU’s research and innovation departments, university programs and community organizations. — Provides web support for Spartaneur. The SpartUp program also includes technology transfer and a partnership with the Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to expand the SJSU entrepreneurial runway.
SpartUp positions SJSU as a leader in full-spectrum applied research and real-world solutions, and recognizes SJSU’s commitment to advancing faculty and student research into public spheres where patented advances have the potential to impact the world. Take a holistic approach. SJSU aims to take the lead among public universities as a leader in public impact, community-driven research, and experiential learning.
“SJSU is unique in that it supports research-to-real-world applications,” explains Quale. “SpartUp brings applied research to the public arena and provides even more transformative opportunities for the diverse Spartan community.”
For more information on the SpartUp Incubator, please visit the Office of Innovation website..