New UC Irvine Pitch Lab Aims to Refine Student Presentations With AI Tools

A new practice space at the University of California, Irvine, allows students to rehearse presentations using professional-grade technology. The Santora Pitch Lab opened this week within the ANTrepreneur Center. It is designed to help students refine how they communicate ideas to audiences, whether for a startup, a research project, or a campus event.

The facility features immersive displays, professional recording equipment, and AI-powered feedback tools. These resources are intended to simulate real-world pitching and interview scenarios. The layout is flexible, accommodating both small-group workshops and large presentations. This setup allows users to test their messaging in a controlled environment before facing public scrutiny.

The lab is funded by philanthropists Kathleen and Mark Santora, longtime supporters of the university. Kathleen Santora stated that the space is intended for students from all departments, majors, and backgrounds. She compared the experience to athletic training, noting that students need coaching and mentorship to achieve excellence in communication. Mark Santora added that the goal is to help people communicate their ideas with purpose.

The Santoras have previously supported the university through the establishment of the Santora Elite Training Center. That athletics facility supports student-athletes with strength, conditioning, and rehabilitation services. The new pitch lab extends that same approach to communication skills, treating presentation ability as a trainable asset. Their contributions include philanthropy, university leadership, and direct student support.

Tyler Maher, a student graduating in 2026, has already used the new facility. With the lab’s guidance, he launched Transfermatic, a platform designed to assist students in transferring from community colleges to four-year universities. Maher also won the Stella Zhang New Venture Competition. He described the pitch lab as a safe space where he could speak freely, make mistakes, and test his pitches in a realistic setting.

Ryan Foland, the director of the ANTrepreneur Center, described the space as a true laboratory for stimulating various professional situations. He emphasized the importance of providing students with access to a microphone in a private space. Foland noted that while the resource may seem small, it can have a large impact on a student's confidence and ability to present.

The lab’s mission extends beyond entrepreneurship to include researchers presenting medical discoveries and artists showcasing new work. The facility serves as an incubator for ideas, helping students move from inspiration to execution. The grand opening ceremony marked the official start of the program's operations.