Spaces

Starting Up in Style

By Candice Conti

Photos by Alexander Bohlen

This fall, Cal Poly’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) hosted a grand opening for its new 15,000-square-foot SLO HotHouse location in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo.

The HotHouse is the area’s biggest tech startup community, in which young entrepreneurs participate in the SLO HotHouse Incubator, a two-year program for Cal Poly students and recent graduates that helps transform their ideas from startups to sustainable businesses.

“The grand opening is a major investment in the future of San Luis Obispo that will benefit our community for generations,” said Tod Nelson, CIE executive director. “Working with our partners in the county, city and business community, the possibilities are limitless. Increasing economic development opportunities will have a ripple effect across our region.”

Explore this photo gallery to learn about the HotHouse and some of the student teams who work there.

Student entrepreneurs like Ashley Tovar of Gatherologie (right) working in the HotHouse thrive in a creative atmosphere where they can collaborate with other like-minded entrepreneurs. Learn more at gatherologie.com
The HotHouse provides a space where promising student-built companies, like ObserVR, can get a foothold in the market under the guidance of mentors like entrepreneurship professor Jon York. Learn more at observr.tech
With its convenient downtown location, there are always a lot of bikes in the lobby at the HotHouse.
The HotHouse doesn’t just serve student entrepreneurs — local startups and freelancers can also rent workspace.
For many recent grads whose CIE-born companies have taken off, like Aaron Bergh of Calivore Spirits, staying on in one of the HotHouse’s dedicated workspaces is an attractive option. Learn more at calivorespirits.com
Recent grad Alex Henige, founder of Reduce.Reuse.Grow., takes advantage of a private workspace in the HotHouse. Learn more at reducereusegrow.org
The HotHouse includes several spacious and well-equipped conference rooms where companies like Whitefox can hold meetings with investors, clients and mentors. Learn more at whitefoxdefense.com