About Venture Catalyst
Venture Catalyst plays a pivotal role in transforming innovative research into practical applications by fostering the development of university-affiliated startups. Through strategic collaborations, comprehensive programs, and proactive outreach, we bridge the gap between groundbreaking discoveries and their real-world impact.
Our flagship initiative, the Smart Toolkit for Accelerated Research Translation (START) Program, equips UC Davis entrepreneurs with essential resources to establish and grow successful ventures. Participants gain access to pitch coaching, grant workshops, legal assistance, mentorship, market analysis, and connections to service providers, all designed to support robust startup formation.
To further de-risk technologies and prepare them for commercialization, Venture Catalyst administers proof-of-concept programs such as the Science Translation and Innovative Research (STAIR) Grant Program and the Aggie Climate action for Equity (ACE) Grant Program. These programs provide proof-of-concept funding, expert mentoring, and access to facilities and tools, enabling UC Davis researchers to advance their discoveries toward market readiness. By addressing early-stage challenges, STAIR and ACE play a crucial role in moving promising innovations closer to societal impact.
The Distributed Research Incubation & Venture Engine (DRIVE) Program supports early-stage startups by offering a network of thematically oriented business incubators. These incubators provide affordable office and lab spaces near the UC Davis campus, facilitating a collaborative environment for innovation. Complementing this effort, the Economic Engagement and Community Outreach (EECO) Program strengthens connections between UC Davis and the broader community by fostering partnerships that drive regional economic development and expand opportunities for local stakeholders. Through EECO, Venture Catalyst amplifies the impact of research and innovation across the region.
Additionally, the Biotech Innovation Gallery (BIG) Pre-accelerator Program delivers targeted mentoring and training in areas such as intellectual property, regulatory strategy, business modeling, market analysis, and investor pitching. The program culminates in a showcase event, aligning with the annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, where startups present to industry experts, potential partners, and investors.
In October 2024, UC Davis joined a new National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (NSF I-Corps) Hub as part of the National Innovation Network. This partnership aims to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical solutions that benefit society and the economy. Venture Catalyst plays a key role in this initiative, leveraging its expertise to support researchers in commercializing their innovations.
Through these integrated initiatives, Venture Catalyst transforms UC Davis research into thriving commercial ventures, driving economic growth and addressing societal needs.
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