UC Davis Researchers Capitalize on Important Agricultural Traits Discovered in Wild Chickpeas

Professor Douglas Cook and colleagues are working to unlock the full potential of chickpea as a staple crop in our food system, starting with naturally increasing protein content in the crop by 75%.

Legumes are the second largest family of agricultural plants. In low and middle income countries (LMICs), where there’s a high fraction of vegetarians or where meat isn’t affordable, legumes - such as common bean, chickpea and lentil - are a primary protein source for human health and nutrition.

After years studying fundamental mechanisms of nitrogen fixation, Dr. Douglas Cook, a professor in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, became especially motivated to understand mechanisms in legume crops that can lead to more efficient agriculture. Cook also recognizes the importance of commercializing technology to maximize the impact of his work. In 2019 Cook partnered with his daughter Kathryn Cook, a technical program manager with an extensive background in product development across multiple industries, and Brendan Riely, a former postdoctoral student, to found NuCicer – a UC Davis-associated food and agricultural startup to advance technologies emerging from his lab towards commercial applications.

Venture Catalyst Welcomes New Manager:

Aggies for Climate Equity (ACE)

Please join us in welcoming Belen R. Flores to the Venture Catalyst team! Belen will be managing the new Aggies for Climate Equity (ACE): Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Climate Change Solutions grant - an initiative to spur UC Davis-based translational research, pilots, and commercialization aligned with California’s Climate Action Priorities.

Belen was born and raised in Sacramento, California, where she grew up playing soccer and spending lots of time outdoors with her family. After graduating from California State University Sacramento, she quickly took to the nonprofit sector where she spent a combined 15 years advancing programs and services to BIPOC communities across California. Her passions include music, traveling, staying active, spending time in the natural world, and gardening. 

If interested in learning more or participating in ACE as an advisory group member, ideation/hackathon judge, reviewer, or applicant, please click the button below and fill out the Google form.

UC Davis Climate Solutions Contest - $1,000 Grand Prize!

Venture Catalyst and the Student Startup Center are teaming up to reward ideas for solutions around mitigating, adapting and creating a more resilient response to climate change! Through Venture Catalyst's Aggies for Climate Equity Program, we're seeking technologies and other behavior- or policy- based innovations that can be readily deployed in pilot or proof-of-concept studies.

4 ideas will win prizes: $1000 Grand Prize, $500 Climate Change Mitigation Prize, $500 Climate Change Adaptation Prize and $500 Climate Change Resilience Prize. 



• Mitigation is an action or set of actions to reduce or capture emissions of greenhouse gases.
• Adaptation is an action or set of actions that reduce physical climate risk. 
• Resilience describes a state of readiness to face climate risks. 

Who: Individuals or teams of UC Davis students

Submission deadline: Friday, October 27 @ 11:59 PM PDT

To apply, access the link below through your ucdavis.edu account.

Big Bang! Business Competition Kicks Off Tonight

Join us at The Kickoff tonight! Come network, meet fellow Aggie Innovators, hear from past winners and learn more about this year's Big Bang! workshop series.

The Big Bang! workshops are designed for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. They provide the knowledge and tools you'll need to create the deliverables needed to compete in the UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition, our Little Bang! Pitch + Poster Competitions—or begin any other entrepreneurial journey. Learn more about the workshop series at the link below, and see you tonight!

Have a Startup Idea?

Or Looking for a Proven Method to Validate Your Idea?

Intro to Lean Startup: NSF I-Corps Method is a free remote one-week course based on Steve Blank's Lean LaunchPad. The three evening sessions teach you to identify your top customer segment and value propositions, and accelerate finding product market fit.

Outside of class, you'll do at least 15 interviews with potential customers as part of the customer discovery process. You can expect to spend 20-30 hours outside of class on interviews.

Eligible teams that complete the course with instructor endorsement might also qualify for the National NSF I-Corps program, which includes a $50,000 National Science Foundation customer discovery grant. Teams that complete the national program have a much higher funding rate, including SBIR grants and investment, and alumni include Inkspace Imaging (SkyDeck/Bakar Fellow), Correlia Biosystems (CITRIS Foundry/Y Combinator), and Intropic Materials (Activate Fellow).

Through the AWS Activate @ Berkeley program, teams who successfully complete this course are eligible for $1,000 in AWS credits.

When: Courses held online November 6, 8, & 13 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM PST

Who: Any team (2-4 people) with a STEM technology based startup idea

Application deadline: October 20, 2023

Submit your application at the link below. You'll be contacted two weeks before the first day of class to schedule a team interview with the I-Corps instructor.

Funding Opportunities

IndieBio Accelerator

Multi-stage investment to support big ideas. #1 in early stage biotech! Currently accepting applications.

THRIVE by SVG Ventures

THRIVE is constantly seeking innovative companies with technology solutions that can potentially solve some of the biggest challenges facing the food and agriculture industries. Joining the THRIVE platform puts provides an opportunity for you to be considered for our accelerator programs, investment, THRIVE Navigator and opportunities that may arise with our corporate partners. Apply here.

Spark Venture Competition

The Spark Venture Competition in Sacramento is an annual venture competition hosted by the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, powered by Western Health Advantage. Apply here. Deadline: October 27, 2023

GDO Wholesale Electricity Market Studies and Engagements FOA

This FOA will assist applicants—States, Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs)/Independent System Operators (ISOs, and domestic entities that have partnered with States and/or RTOs/ISOs--to perform analytical studies on critical market issues or convene stakeholders to address issues facing developing or existing wholesale markets. Apply here. Deadline: November 3, 2023

NHLBI Catalyze Funding Opportunities

Facilitates the transition of basic science discoveries into viable diagnostic and therapeutic candidates cleared for human testing. Offers heart, lung, blood and sleep investigators funding, technical services, training, and mentorship. Develops the translational research workforce by helping investigators build their product development and entrepreneurial skills. Supports and funds product definition, preclinical research research, and development of technologies and transformative platforms. Apply here. Deadline: December 21, 2023

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.

OpenGrants Affiliate Program

The OpenGrants Affiliate Program is a commission-based program that rewards affiliates for referring new customers to the OpenGrants API and WordPress Plugin subscriptions. Affiliates earn a 20% commission on any subscriptions sold to referred customers in perpetuity. 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, has early traction and is set to grow, TCA is ready to invest up to several million dollars through our funds, individually or with our syndicate partners. TCA looks at investments in the United States and Canada. Currently accepting applications.

Pioneering Ideas: Exploring the Future to Build a Culture of Health

We are interested in ideas that address any of these four areas of focus: Future of Evidence; Future of Social Interaction; Future of Food; Future of Work. Additionally, we welcome ideas that might fall outside of these four focus areas, but which offer unique approaches to advancing health equity and our progress toward a Culture of Health. Currently accepting applications.

Evidence for Action: Innovative Research to Advance Racial Equity

Evidence for Action prioritizes research to evaluate specific interventions (e.g., policies, programs, practices) that have the potential to counteract the harms of structural and systemic racism and improve health, well-being, and equity outcomes. 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

CalTestBed - Pioneering Sustainable Solutions in the Golden State

Join CleanStart and CalTestBed for a deep dive into the heart of California's clean technology ecosystem! Register here. Date: October 17, 2023 from 2:30 - 4:00 PM PDT

Skill Builder Workshop

Join the SSC and Chris Andrade for a workshop on 3D Printing. From set-up to troubleshooting to printing, learn how you can design and create your own 3D model! 1503 Bainer Hall, UC Davis at 4:10 PM PDT. Date: October 18, 2023

Business Bites

Following the workshop, you’re invited to join us for a networking hour at HanaHaus in Palo Alto! This event warmly welcomes all early-stage founders, whether you’re in the startup, Mainstreet, and nonprofit sector, as well as students keen on enhancing their understanding of effective positioning strategy. Register here. Date: October 18, 2023

SSC Startup Speaker Series

Dr. Fatma Kaplan is the Co-Founder and CEO at Pheronym, an Ag-biotech company developing green solutions for agricultural pest control. Come, network, and learn from the speaker of the week!

1503 Bainer Hall, UC Davis at 1:10 PM PDT. Date: October 19, 2023

CleanTech Meetup EV Charging

CleanStart is hosting an exciting CleanTech meetup event that brings together individuals, businesses, and organizations with a shared interest in clean energy and sustainability. This particular event will focus on the latest innovations in electric vehicle (EV) charging technology. Register here. Date: October 26, 2023 from 6:30 - 9:30 PM PDT

Virtual IP Bootcamp

This workshop will be led by James Ritchey J.D., Ph.D This bootcamp is offered in partnership with the Office of Innovation & Technology Transfer at Sacramento State's Offices of Research Innovation and Economic Development. Register here. Date: October 26-27, 2023

License Lowdown: What else affects startup financial deal terms?

We’ll explore how non-financial factors may affect the startup license financial terms within the database. If a startup was funded at the time the license was signed, would that increase or decrease the monetary value of the license? What if a faculty member is tenured and a repeat entrepreneur? Or the university has provided additional resources to the startup? Register here. Date: November 9, 2023

Career Development Week

This week of in-person and virtual events will have an inspiring keynote speaker, a diverse series of interactive workshops on career-related topics, a panel discussion, and five networking events, with multiple events each day. Learn more. Date: November 13-17, 2023

CleanStart - Spotlight Pitch

Want to showcase your idea and network with fellow entrepreneurs? Spotlight Pitch at the Sacramento State Carlsen Center is your chance to present your business concepts to a captivated audience, including potential investors and industry experts. Register here. Date: November 16, 2023 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM PST

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.

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.

Startup Traction Hotline with JDM

Growth, revenue, product-market fit, pitching, traction, business models, tools, tips, techniques, and whatever else is on your mind. Get advice that’s comprehensive, useful, and immediately actionable. Join every Thursday at 10:00 AM PT on YouTube for a live discussion of whatever’s on your mind. Learn more.

Regional Events

Big Bang! Business Competition Kickoff

Get excited for the kickoff of the 24th annual UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition and workshop series! It'll be an evening of networking with fellow Aggie Innovators and discovering how you can get involved in the Big Bang!, as well as the entry-level Little Bang! Pitch + Poster Competitions. RSVP here. Date: October 17, 2023 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM PDT

2023 Sacramento Inno Awards

The 2023 Sacramento Inno Awards is a recognition and celebration of innovation within the Sacramento region and the exceptional individuals and organizations leading these efforts. Attendees will also gain insights from leading venture capital investors regarding the current state of the tech industry and startup landscape in the Sacramento region. Registration Deadline: October 27, 2023

UCCS 2023-24 Public Lectureship and White Paper Competition

The purpose of the competition is to stimulate multidisciplinary evidence synthesis and creative problem solving related to one of two major policy themes: Promoting Environmental Justice and Creating a More Functional Democracy. Email uccspubliclectureship@ucdavis.edu to learn more. Deadline: November 16, 2023

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, getting a whole week of radio spots to promote your business, and more. Learn more.

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 

For more information or for editorial comments, please email us.