UC’s Youngest Innovators Featured on 2026 Forbes “30 Under 30” List

Who’s leading the way for the next generation across AI, entrepreneurship, science and more? Fifty-eight members of the UC community, according to the 2026 Forbes “30 Under 30” list, which features alumni and faculty from seven campuses whose passions and promise are shaping the future.

The awards span 20 categories of 30 honorees each across the arts, technology and social impact. Candidates were evaluated by Forbes staff and a panel of independent, expert judges on a variety of factors, including funding, revenue, social impact, scale, inventiveness, and potential.

Matthew (Matteo) J. Sánchez (UCLA)

"Matthew (Matteo) J. Sánchez founded Matteo Parfums, a fine fragrance brand sold in 15 countries. Bootstrapped until winning L’Oréal’s $200,000 Inclusive Beauty Fund in 2024, the brand is now expanding into retail. Sánchez is a two-time Art & Olfaction Awards nominee and two-time judge, and a member of The Fragrance Foundation."

Peruse the list of other rising UC stars and their already impressive achievements at the link here.

Forbes 30 Under 30 by Campus