About
The Virtual Innovation Platform extends our work beyond a physical location. It creates a digital environment where learners, educators and others can discover programs, explore challenges, engage with creative technology, and connect with experiences designed around learning and innovation. Whether you are here to try something new, find inspiration, or take part in a challenge, the platform gives you a place to begin.
Knowledge Layer
Start with knowledge. The Source connects you with information, resources, and learning materials that can help you explore ideas, understand new topics, and prepare for what comes next.
Action Layer
Turn learning into action. The Catalyst Zone is where challenges like Culture Is Currency invite you to investigate real-world questions, use creative technology, and build ideas inspired by your experiences and community.
Storytelling Layer
See ideas come to life. Showcase creates space to discover projects, stories, and creative work from learners across the Hub community. Learn from those who have completed challenges and other activities. Find inspiration for what you might create next.
Learning Layer
Build skills and keep growing. The Level-Up Lounge connects learning and mentorship with opportunities to explore tools, develop new skills, and prepare for future projects and pathways. Interested in learning something new? Meet us in the Level-Up Lounge.
Community Layer
Innovation grows through connection. The Innovation Collective brings people and ideas together so learners can share perspectives, discover creative work, and be part of a wider community of innovators.
VIP Design & Development
The Virtual Innovation Platform gives students room to explore ideas, experiment with creative technology, and turn what they learn into something they can share. It is a space built to encourage curiosity, creativity, and learning through making.
Learn MoreStudent perspectives help shape how the VIP looks, feels, and connects with learners. By bringing their ideas and experiences into the design process, students help create an environment that feels welcoming, relevant, and made with learners in mind.
Learn MoreStudents contribute their creativity and developing skills to the VIP while gaining hands-on experience with immersive technology and collaborative projects. Their work helps the platform continue to grow alongside the community it serves.
Learn MoreThe Virtual Innovation Platform gives students room to explore ideas, experiment with creative technology, and turn what they learn into something they can share. It is a space built to encourage curiosity, creativity, and learning through making.
Learn More
Catalyst Zone: A National Challenge
Your Currency is Culture
Your experiences, traditions, language, creativity, relationships, and community knowledge all hold value. Currency is more than money—it is anything that creates value. Culture Is Currency challenges you to turn what you know, create, and experience into assets for innovation, opportunity, and community wealth. In partnership with SUMA Wealth, participants can also build financial knowledge and explore how ideas can create economic opportunity through the Side Hustle Bootcamp.
Challenge-Based Learning
Start with a question that matters to you. Investigate it through research, conversations, and exploration. Then use what you learn to create and share an idea, story, or solution.
Free & Online
Recognize your value. Build your idea. Create what comes next. Explore Challenge resources, choose a pathway that fits your interests, and use the tools available to take your idea from exploration to creation.
Innovation Loop is your digital guide to the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center (ATEC) at CSUN. Designed for students, educators and visitors, the app transforms a tour of ATEC into an immersive journey of learning and creativity.
