Since FY2013-2014, Venture Catalyst has assisted in the launch of 272 Startups Accelerated with Assistance, which are companies enabled by programs or resources where at least one founder is associated with the university at time of intake. This total includes 127 UC Davis startups with foundational intellectual property agreements, and the total capital raised by UC Davis startups exceeds $2.79 billion.

Over $2.8 million has been awarded to faculty through Venture Catalyst proof-of-concept grants like the Science Translation and Innovative Research (STAIR™) Grant Program, which helps UC Davis technology move towards commercialization by funding translational research for which other sources do not exist. Over the years, these programs have led to 29 new IP agreements and the launch of 21 new startups.

Through the START™ Suite of programs and services, Venture Catalyst supports campus entrepreneurs with the tools needed to grow robust startups, providing founders the opportunities to prepare their companies for success. Additionally, the Distributed Research Incubation & Venture Engine (DRIVE™) Program offers access to a diverse network of business incubators, connecting UC Davis affiliated startups with local and affordable incubation space. More than 70 UC Davis-associated startups have taken advantage of space in the DRIVE network. 

Venture Catalyst also promotes innovation on campus through programs like the Biotech Innovation Gallery (BIG) Pre-accelerator Program, which offers select human health startups the opportunity to showcase at an event in San Francisco during the annual J.P. Morgan Health Care Conference, and the UC Davis Innovation Awards, which recognizes faculty or staff members, or teams (that may include UC Davis faculty, students, and staff) whose inventive, innovative or entrepreneurial activities have had a measurable societal impact in the last year, or those whose activities or achievements in the last year have a very strong potential to make a significant impact in the future. 

Cheers to another ten prosperous years ahead!

2024 STAIR Grant - Call for Proposals Now Open!

Venture Catalyst, in partnership with the UC Davis Health Ventures Office, is now accepting applications for the 2024 Science Translation & Innovative Research (STAIR™) Grant Program, which provides funding and resources to translate basic UC Davis research with commercial potential by demonstrating proof-of-concept and establishing market viability.



For this eleventh cycle, the STAIR proof-of-concept program is focusing on the theme of Tomorrow’s Health Care Today, funding interdisciplinary innovations providing breakthrough solutions for problems encountered in human health.

The deadline for applications is Friday, March 29, 2024 at 11:59pm PDT.

Applications can be submitted through the Office of Research’s InfoReady grant application platform (use your Kerberos login to apply), or you can click the button below to learn more about the program.

UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition

Registration Deadline - February 26, 2024

The Big Bang! Business Competition, put on by the Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, helps you to grow as an entrepreneur and as a leader. You'll find opportunities to connect with fellow innovators, learn and apply business concepts in interactive educational workshops, build your team, grow your network - and compete for cash prizes! The competition runs from March through May, and is designed for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Eligible teams must have at least one founder affiliated with a California-based institution of higher education. Register today!

Local Startup Competitions

Application Deadlines Close Soon!

The Sacramento Kings Capitalize startup competition is back for the ninth year and will continue to identify and showcase local entrepreneurs. In addition to the unique opportunity to be affiliated with the Kings global brand, contestants will receive pitch coaching, participate in workshops, and present to investors, executives and the community. Previous judges have included Bow Capital, Moneta Ventures, Black Star Fund, Scale Venture Partners, and Growth Factory.

Applications close on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 11:59pm PST.

For more information, please visit the Kings Capitalize webpage.

The Western Placer Waste Management Authority (WPWMA) is powering the Circular Economy Innovation Competition for its second year. The competition invites innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to turn waste into repurposed value. WPWMA is on a mission to find innovators and entrepreneurs that can find a way to utilize recoverable waste products in their waste streams that are otherwise going un-utilized (ending up in the landfill). Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas and/or innovations, receive mentorship to bring their visions to life, and compete for cash and in-kind awards.

Applications close on Friday, February 16, 2024.

For more information, please visit the CSU Carlsen Center webpage.

UC Davis-associated Startup AgriNerds Named Comstock Magazine's Startup of the Month

In recent years, avian influenza (or “bird flu”) has been on a rampage, wiping out wild and domestic birds, disrupting the environment, and causing a shortage of eggs and poultry meat. The Davis-based startup AgriNerds aims to help farmers to identify potential risks and protect poultry against the threat of diseased ducks.



Co-founded by a group of UC Davis affiliated engineers and veterinarians, AgriNerds developed the WaterFowl Alert Network, or WFAN, which uses a combination of weather radar, satellite imagery and ground-based sensors to make detailed daily predictive maps of waterfowl.

Funding Opportunities

Berkeley SkyDeck Batch 18 Applications Open!

Startups selected for SkyDeck’s Cohort program will receive a $200,000 investment (for 7.5% equity), access to a network of 500+ advisors/mentors, and the opportunity to pitch to a network of investors on Demo Day. Startups are eligible if they have a team member (founder, employee, advisor) that is either affiliated with any of the 10 University of California campuses OR is an international founder. Apply here. Deadline: February 14, 2024

SOSV 2024 Health Tech VC-Founder Matchup

In 2023, SOSV Matchups generated over 5,000 one-on-one meetings in Health Tech, Climate and Industrial Tech. This year, SOSV is again hosting its completely free 2024 Health Tech VC-Founder Matchup, with meetings taking place online between February 26 - March 8, 2024. Don't miss your chance to join this virtual event with over 500 startups and 300 investors! Register here. Deadline: February 19, 2024

1Startupworld - Unique Pitch Opportunity for Equal Innovation Partners

Equal Innovation is partnering with 1BusinessWorld to bring an exciting opportunity for startups to pitch their solutions to VCs and funders from around the world. Interested participants will have an opportunity to present for 15 minutes and receive a professionally packaged copy of your presentation. Apply here. Dates: February 26-28, 2024

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Foundational and Applied Science Program

To meet the growing population's food needs, we must develop innovative, safe, and sustainable management strategies for livestock, crops, and critical underlying resources. Applications that address climate change, food and nutrition security, expanding markets for producers, indigenous traditional ecological knowledge, and equity for underserved producers are welcome. Apply here. Deadline: December 31, 2024

SBIR Grants for Women

By awarding $200+ million in research and development (R&D) funding to about 400 startups each year, in three phases, through 11 federal bodies. Grantify helps you apply for funding from one such body, the National Science Foundation (NSF). Learn more.

Growth Factory - Accelerating Venture-Backable Startups

The goal of this local startup accelerator is to help founders of pre-seed to seed stage venture backable companies located in the Greater Sacramento Region rapidly achieve product-market fit, positioning them to raise funds and achieve revenue of $1M in ARR within 18 months. Applications are open on a rolling admissions basis. Apply here.

AgFunder

AgFunder is a new kind of venture capital firm built on proprietary technology and a global ecosystem of over 85,000 subscribers. We invest in exceptional and bold founders who are committed to building the next generation of agrifood technology companies that will transform our food system. We are one of the most active agrifood tech investors in the world. Apply here.



Tech Coast Angels

If your company has a strong team with a great defensible idea, early traction, and is set to grow, TCA is ready to invest up to several million dollars individually or with our syndicate partners. TCA looks at investments in the United States and Canada. Currently accepting applications.

Open SBIR/STTR Grant Topics

Federal Research/Research & Development with the potential for commercialization. Learn More.

UC Davis Office of Research - Links to Funding Sources

Browse the listings of funding announcements provided by sponsoring agencies and other pertinent information about obtaining critical research funding. View the complete list here.

Educational Opportunities

2024 UC Davis - Sandia Research Partnership Symposium: Climate Security

The Putah Creek Lodge on the UC Davis campus is hosting a full day, in-person joint symposium on climate security. Sessions will include research talks, networking and strategy discussions, and information about funding opportunities. You'll hear about Sandia's priorities in climate security and have time designated to make connections with other participants to build new collaborations. Register here. Date: February 27, 2024 | 9:00am - 5:00pm PST

Licensing Trends for Climate Tech Startups - OUP Webinar

This Virtual Exchange will share best practices across a broad network and make connections in the tech transfer world. Topics will cover the ever-evolving climate tech landscape, royalty percentage amounts, structuring compensation for licensed product sales, utilizing milestone payments as a different lever, and much more. Register here. Dates: March 5 & 6, 2024

2024 Startup Financing Trends - OUP Webinar

OUP is pleased to invite you to their annual startup financing trends webinar. Join Harry Won, Nii Dodoo-Amoo and Nabil Ullah of OUP’s investment team for a discussion on startup financing trends to review the state of the venture funding landscape, where they’ll cover current market behaviors across the entire startup ecosystem with a specific emphasis on university spinouts. Register here. Date: March 14, 2024 | 9:00am PDT

Lean Startup Bootcamp

Learn the tools and mindsets you need to bring your idea to reality in this fast-paced two-day bootcamp presented by the Carlsen Center at CSU Sacramento. Learn more. Dates: March 15-16, 2024

CSU Sacramento Carlsen Center Hivemind Cohort Spring 2024

The Hivemind Cohort is for students (and recent graduates) who are working on launching their startups. By being an active member of the cohort, the program will connect you to valuable resources, teach important entrepreneurial methods, and facilitate peer interaction and accountability. Register here.

Startup Pitch Workshop - Monthly

Three startups present their pitch for advice and feedback from a panel of experts. Organized by StartupSac, Startup Folsom and NCID. Apply here. Date: 4th Wednesday of every month.

NorCal Entrepreneur Hub

The NorCal Entrepreneur Hub is a dynamic online platform that enables innovators, startup founders, and small business owners to find and connect with the right resources for their business, including investors, universities, mentoring programs, networking groups, training programs, and more. This FREE regional tool is a great place for any startup founder or small business owner to get started and/or look for resources as you grow. Learn more.

On-Demand Virtual Entrepreneurship Toolkit Series

The new On-Demand Toolkit Series is a resource of past recordings as well as slides and tools taught throughout the 5-week series. After a short application, you will have access to five recordings and subsequent resource tools. Apply now.

Regional Events

2024 Healthcare Leadership Forum

Hear from top hospital and healthcare executives in the region about what is on the horizon in this ever-changing industry. Get tickets here. Date: February 15, 2024

Startup Happy Hour

Come join for a fun evening at The Last Stop Saloon in Old Sacramento! Network, relax, and connect with fellow startup enthusiasts. RSVP here. Date: February 27, 2024 | 5:00-7:00pm PST

Carlsen Center Startup Challenge

The Startup Challenge is a crazy-fun, high-energy competition where you get in a room with creative people for an entire weekend, and experience what it’s like to launch a startup from just an idea — by actually doing it. It’s not a weekend of talk. It’s a weekend of DOING. Learn more here. Dates: March 1-2, 2024

CBCC Business Mixer

Network and grow your business at the upcoming CBCC Business Mixer on the first Friday of every month! Get the chance to win a generous Visa Card, a week's worth of radio spots to promote your business, and more! Learn more here.

1 Million Cups

Present your early-stage company to your peers. Or just grab a coffee and listen.

Date: Every Wednesday

Business Casual: Get Your Creative Biz Together

Every fourth Saturday of the month, Atrium’s mentorship team will be hosting a free business basics discussion group. Growing your creative business can seem like a daunting task. Atrium is here to help take your ideas from the drawing board to the boardroom with free “get started right” business workshops for creative startups. Come with a laptop and a ready-to-grow mentality. Register now. Date: Ongoing

Sacramento State Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Events and Workshops

Learn More. Date: Ongoing

California Life Sciences Institute FAST Advisory Program

Get the coaching you need to perfect your business model. Apply now. Date: Ongoing

Bay Area NSF Innovation Corps Immersive Short Course

Join the weeklong immersive course for university researchers and early-stage startup founders. Apply now. Date: Ongoing

About Venture Catalyst 

UC Davis Venture Catalyst supports the development of new UC Davis-associated 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. 

Contact Venture Catalyst 

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