Aggie Square Is Sacramento’s Innovation Launchpad
If you’ve ever doubted Sacramento’s rise as a world-class innovation hub, it’s time to take a walk through Aggie Square. No, seriously — go see it. This isn’t your typical campus building or government grant project. It’s a bold, high-tech, multi-layered ecosystem engineered to do one thing really well: help visionary entrepreneurs turn groundbreaking ideas into world-changing companies.
Recently, I tuned into The Mark Haney Show where Mark Haney interviewed Monique Brown — co-founder of the Growth Factory and the driving force behind Connect Labs at Aggie Square. Monique isn’t just running a space; she’s orchestrating an innovation symphony in partnership with UC Davis, Wexford Science & Technology, and a growing tribe of entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and community leaders. It’s big. It’s real. And it’s just getting started.
Here’s what stood out — and why Aggie Square isn’t just a building. It’s a blueprint for the future.
1. From Ivory Tower to Startup Launchpad
UC Davis has long been a global research powerhouse. But too often, the startups born out of that brilliance got pulled to the Bay Area or Boston in search of capital, labs, and connections. Aggie Square flips that script.
With over a million square feet of space (400,000+ in the building we’re focused on), it combines wet labs, high-tech coworking, 3D printing facilities, venture support, and research-class proximity — all walking distance from UC Davis Health.
This isn't academia looking in the mirror. It's academia building a bridge — to founders, funders, and the future of applied science.
2. A Venture Magnet, Not Just a Real Estate Play
Wexford Science & Technology, the developer behind Aggie Square, isn’t just laying down concrete and calling it innovation. They’re running a two-stack model: hardware (the buildings) and software (the programs, partnerships, and people that bring the place to life).
The on-site Connect Labs offers move-in-ready lab and office space for early-stage companies — and yes, there’s venture capital in the building. Real capital. Real check-writers.
Even more exciting? Venture Catalyst and UC Davis Health Ventures are right there, helping startups go from lab bench to bedside. So if you're building a medtech, agtech, or healthtech startup, you're not just in a building — you're in a launch zone.
3. Community Isn't a Buzzword — It’s the Operating System
This part blew me away.
Aggie Square isn’t some innovation bubble sealed off from the real world. It’s planted in Oak Park, one of Sacramento’s historically underserved neighborhoods. Monique made it clear: this space isn’t just in the community — it’s of the community.
We’re talking job pathways, educational programs, local hiring during construction, and dedicated community space. There’s a real effort to tear down the velvet rope and invite people in. Whether you’re a first-gen student, a curious neighbor, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this place says: You belong here.
4. Connecting the Backyard Advantage — Nationwide
You’ve heard it before: Nobody builds a truly great company alone. That’s the Growth Factory mantra. And it’s being hardcoded into Aggie Square’s DNA.
But here’s what’s next-level: Aggie Square is part of a broader Wexford network — with sites at ASU in Phoenix, the University of Maryland in Baltimore, and more. That means researchers and founders here can tap into a national sandbox of peers, partners, and platforms.
Imagine a startup in Sacramento collaborating with a 3D prototyping team in Charlotte or a surgical innovation lab in Baltimore. That’s not the future. That’s already happening.
5. What AI, Health, and Humanity Look Like—Together
Mark asked a big question near the end of the show: What does this all look like when you layer in AI?
The answer? It looks like acceleration. It looks like impact.
AI is helping discover new genes, optimize healthcare delivery, and fast-track clinical trials. But when paired with human-centered design, diverse community input, and strong relational networks, it becomes something more — a force multiplier for good.
And Monique gets this. Her north star isn’t just startups or real estate metrics. It’s people. Empowered people. Inspired people. Connected people.
Final Take: This Is How You Build a World-Class Innovation Ecosystem
Aggie Square is more than a location. It’s a mindset.
It’s the fusion of Silicon Valley innovation with Sacramento soul. It’s research translated into results. It’s the idea that if we bring enough passionate, talented people together under one (very cool, very modern) roof — and give them the tools, mentors, and mission — there’s no limit to what we can build.
So, let me end with a simple question — the one Monique and Mark always come back to:
What are you working on? And how can we help?
Want to see Aggie Square in action? Hit up Connect Labs. Reach out to Monique. And if you're building something that could change the world — maybe this is where you do it.
Let’s keep making Sacramento the most connected, collaborative startup city on the map.
