STAIR Grant Program

STAIR Grant Program

The UC Davis Science Translation and Innovative Research (STAIR™) Grant is one of the technology proof-of-concept programs managed by Venture Catalyst at UC Davis. Over the past ten annual cycles, the STAIR Program has awarded over 80 awards; core funding for the STAIR Grant was provided by the Vice Chancellor for Research with supplemental funding provided by Innovation & Technology Commercialization (Venture Catalyst and InnovationAccess) as well as campus and industry partners. In recent cycles, funding has been provided through the UC Davis Health’s Investing in the Future of Medicine Fund for health-related cycles. Now in its second year, under the Innovation and Economic Development Office, Venture Catalyst’s partnership with the UC Davis Health Ventures Office will again focus the STAIR proof of concept program cycle on the theme of Tomorrow’s Health Care Today - funding interdisciplinary innovations that provide breakthrough solutions in human health.

Early-stage technologies from university research are often too risky to attract funding or partners to support translation into commercial products or services. The lack of accessible funding creates a gap between basic research and early-stage commercialization efforts. The STAIR Grant helps bridge this gap by providing funding and resources to help translate basic UC Davis research with commercial potential. By demonstrating proof-of-concept and market viability, the program helps de-risk the innovation. The ultimate objective of the program is to develop technologies that attract more entrepreneurs, industry, and investors interested in commercializing UC Davis technologies, resulting in societal and economic impacts.

Successful projects will advance human health-focused UC Davis technologies towards commercialization by achieving specific research and development milestones. Outcomes expected to be enabled by STAIR Grant funding include, but are not limited to:

Technology Development and Initial Proof-of-Concept
• Generating translational data or research results to create more robust foundational intellectual property (IP), and strengthening patent claims.
• Testing commercial and market feasibility.
• Building a working prototype or second iteration prototype to prepare for commercialization.
• Demonstrating scale-up development potential that would be compelling to external partners.
• Updating commercial translation plan, identifying/engaging with potential development partners, resources, and funding options.
• Developing the next phase of technology and commercial development plans and submit for funding. For example, producing results that support more competitive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant applications.

Technology Development and Demonstration in Defined Model/s
• Conducting advanced development to demonstrate feasibility of candidate/s in defined lab/animal model/s and establish candidate/s’ profile properties, including manufacture lab-scale of product.
• Update and implement commercial translation plan, engaging with key development partners for sourcing, manufacturing, clinical sites, regulatory affairs, etc., and identify funding options.
• Achieving a technical de-risking milestone that would make the technology significantly more appealing to partners or investors.

Crucial to achieving translational impact is the mentoring provided by industry experts to STAIR Grant awardees and finalists. Feedback from industry experts through the review and mentoring processes has been invaluable to the program and to UC Davis researchers as they design and implement research plans to increase the commercial potential of UC Davis technology.
 

In addition, the program helps develop and support an innovative and entrepreneurial culture that extends the benefits of UC Davis research activities beyond the boundaries of the university.

How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the Office of Research’s InfoReady grant application platform (Kerberos login required). The application deadline is Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm PDT. You can email any questions you have to stairgrant@ucdavis.edu or arangan@ucdavis.edu.