Fostering students' scientific inquiry, lab experience, science fair participation, and potential publication
University Lab Partners (ULP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing life science innovation through three core pillars: state-of-the-art wet lab facilities for early-stage startups, accelerator programs that support company growth and development, and workforce development initiatives that prepare and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.
Since opening in 2019, ULP has supported over 70 early-stage companies at its facilities in Irvine and Aliso Viejo. Recognizing the need for holistic support in the innovation ecosystem, ULP launched its student education programs in 2021, beginning with remote research opportunities for high school students during the pandemic.
Today, ULP offers a growing portfolio of educational initiatives designed to meet students where they are in their STEM journey, including:
- The Medical Innovation Research and Entrepreneurship (MIRE) program, delivered in partnership with Orange County’s Regional Occupational Programs.
- Hands-on, one-day lab experiences that allow students to explore science and determine whether ULP programs are a good fit.
- Multi-week skill-building programs, such as 8-week Microbiology 1 and 2 classes that equip students with foundational research techniques.
- Summer research opportunities, as well as internships and apprenticeships that provide deeper, real-world experience in life science and medical technology environments.
Through these programs, ULP has engaged and empowered more than 3,000 high school and college students with immersive, real-world STEM education—enhancing college applications and developing job-ready skills.
“Thank you Beckman Foundation! This is the best possible opportunity I could get as a high schooler. Just thinking that I am working on my OWN project and have so much from so many experts blow my mind. I am incredibly grateful to be at ULP and I can’t wait to see where this can take me.
About the Program
The 2025 BioInnovators Program works with students committed to either publishing their research or competing at OCSEF. Participants will conduct research in ULP’s professional wet lab twice a week across 22 lab days, aligned with experimental requirements such as cell culture maintenance. Each student is paired with one or more experienced mentors and supported by a high school teacher sponsor, with a minimum of two triad meetings. The program includes up to 50 hours of combined lab and mentoring time, including structured Zoom sessions to refine research design and analysis. Students also receive guidance in time management, lab safety, and experimental rigor.
This enhanced structure offers a robust framework for student success through experiential learning, expert mentorship, and access to industry-grade research infrastructure.
