Professor Wang was awarded $500,000 through the Kidney X Prize to continue developing long-lasting vascular grafts. He was also a previous UC Davis Science Translation & Innovative Research (STAIR^TM) Grant recipient and participated in the Venture Catalyst Biotech Innovation Gallery (BIG) Accelerator program.

Decisions that founders make early in the life of their startup can have impacts far into the future. This is especially true for science- and technology-based startups whose early hires, funders, and partnerships can have an outsized impact. Negotiating these deals can be nerve wracking, but preparation and strategy can go a long way towards ensuring the best possible outcomes. This talk, led by Jason Pariso, an experienced innovation and entrepreneurship leader and investor, will provide insights on negotiation strategies and skills and discuss practical approaches that first-time startup founders can utilize when negotiating various types of deals.

When:

Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 10:30 – 11:45 am

A large number of inventions created today implement some functionality using software. In 2014, the US Supreme Court decided Alice v. CLS Bank that redefined how software-related inventions are interpreted with respect to which subject matter is patentable and which is considered an abstract idea. As a result of the Alice decision, software-related inventions, such as inventions that implement algorithms using computer programs, need to demonstrate that their algorithm is tied to a practical application of the invention. This talk, led by experienced IP attorney Sanjeev S. Bajwa, will discuss the current standards for subject matter eligibility, their effect on software-related inventions, and practical tips on how to claim software-related inventions to avoid subject matter rejections. In addition, the talk will also cover the concept of the “abstract idea” and discuss what innovators should be considering to best position their inventions for obtaining a patent.

The UC Davis Public Strawberry Breeding Program released two new strawberry varieties, UCD Finn and UCD Mojo. These varieties were bred for summer planting and developed to replace Portola, the only other UC variety that is planted in the summer and harvested in the fall and winter. Since its inception in the 1930s, the UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program has developed more than 60 patented varieties, turned strawberries into a year-round crop, and increased strawberry yield from about 6 tons per acre in the 1950s to more than 30 tons per acre today. About 60% of California's strawberry fields are planted with varieties developed at UC Davis.... Read More

Biological and agricultural engineering associate professor Stavros Vougioukas is leading two new research projects to mechanize the orchard and pick fruit more effectively. The first project, which received $1.2 million from the National Science Foundation’s Robotics Initiative and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), aims to build a machine that can find and pick fruit quickly and effectively, especially when there is thick tree foliage in the way. The second project, which received $400,000 from NIFA, is focused on developing a shake-and-catch harvesting system for soft fruits to prevent fall damage.... Read More

A UC Davis Health team announced the launch of the world’s first, FDA-approved human clinical trial using stem cells before birth to treat the most serious form of spina bifida. The condition is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly. Without treatment, an exposed spinal cord causes severe neurological damage, resulting in problems that can include lifelong cognitive, mobility, urinary and bowel disabilities. The treatment will be delivered while the baby is still in the mother’s womb (in utero). It will be the standard surgical procedure combined with the use of a unique stem cell “patch” to repair the defect before birth. The related technology around the method for treating spina bifida is protected by a patent, which is being managed by UC Davis InnovationAccess.... Read More

Diane Bryant made a historic $6.5 million donation to the UC Davis College of Engineering, the largest single donation to the college by an individual. With her gift to name the new Engineering Student Design Center at UC Davis, the alumna and information technology executive hopes to inspire women and other underrepresented students in STEM; fund essential learning for aspiring engineers; and solidify her legacy as a leader in tech. Bryant graduated from UC Davis in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering. The Diane Bryant Engineering Student Design Center is expected to open in Fall 2022.... Read More

Three UC Davis teams were among the twenty six finalists for the 2021 Rudd Family Foundation Big Ideas contest. These finalists include 1) Beat Medical, which is developing a device that customizes fit for patients to increase comfortability, maintains patency of the breathing tube, and prevents infection from the bite guard, 2) Neutron, working on a hybrid battery with potential to improve charging time, battery life, and reliability, and 3) Night Market, which has created a platform for food waste recovery and redistribution that can be utilized in every city in the United States.... Read More

The California Mobility Center, a Sacramento-based non-profit focused on accelerating commercialization of future mobility technologies, announced its 12-member Board of Directors that will help govern the organization’s full operations. Dr. Prasant Mohapatra, UC Davis Vice Chancellor for Research, is among this esteemed group of leaders and industry executives.... Read More

UC Davis Venture Catalyst supports the development of new ventures fueled by university research and technology. Venture Catalyst offers several innovative programs that bridge the gap between early-stage research and commercialization and provide entrepreneurs the resources, support, and connections needed to successfully form and grow technology-based startups. With a focus on accelerating technology-led economic development in the Davis-Sacramento region, Venture Catalyst also works closely with partners in the regional innovation and economic development ecosystems. 

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