April Innovation

Mind Your Matter

Farewell to a Catalyst

Charles Hart Transforms

to Small Molecular Discovery

Charles Hart will be stepping down from his executive director role with the Catalyst Program and focusing his efforts at the UCSF Small Molecular Discovery Center (SMDC). He will still be involved with Catalyst as an Industry Advisor, and with the UCSF NSF I-Corps Program. 

We sat down with Charles to discuss the last seven years running the Catalyst Program and what he will be doing next.

"Just like the 20th century was referred to by some as the century of the electron, the 21st century is referred to as the century of biology. I am just fortunate to be involved in the front lines of UCSF's work to advance biomedicine."

Charles Hart, PhD.

Departing Executive Director

UCSF Catalyst Program

Not to Fear – Catalyst is Still Here!

Our Catalyst Program will continue under the leadership of InVent Fund Director Roopa Ramamoorthi and Innovation Ventures Vice-Chancellor David Morris.

Our team still includes Nate Prorok, who, along with an active role in the NSF iCorps and the Innovator Enrichment program, will be managing the digital health track. Sohela Shah, will continue managing the diagnostic track in addition to supporting the Invent Fund. And Roopa Ramamoorthi will continue her focus on therapeutics and medical device tracks. 

We look forward to seeing your cutting-edge innovations

and supporting your projects.

Innovative News

External Innovation & Education Group

UCSF Launches New External Innovation & Entrepreneurship Group to Fuel Startup Success

UCSF is thrilled to announce the formation of the External Innovation & Entrepreneurship group, a powerful new initiative designed to unify our externally facing activities and accelerate the commercialization of the University's groundbreaking discoveries.

This dynamic group will be led by a team of visionary leaders: 

• Christina Winoto, Founder and Executive Director of the UCSF Rosenman Institute and Founding Partner of Medtech Venture Partners. 
• Stephanie Marrus, Managing Director of Entrepreneurship, UCSF. 
• Roopa Ramamoorthi, Director of the Catalyst Program and InVent Fund.

The External Innovation & Entrepreneurship group will focus on:

• Connecting UCSF innovators with funding for NewCos launched from their discoveries.
• Cultivating strategic relationships with venture capitalists and seasoned entrepreneurs to support the development of our cutting-edge technologies.
• Delivering a comprehensive ten-week entrepreneurship course to educate UCSF faculty, researchers, and clinicians on the intricacies of launching a successful startup.

This initiative underscores UCSF's commitment to supporting our incredible scientific talent and ensuring that our technological discoveries reach their full potential, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.

Tonight!

Is Angel Financing a Source for Your Startup?

Panel Session with Life Science Angels

Angels are high net-worth individuals who invest in startups earlier than venture capitalists, often the first money in after grants and friends & family. Entrepreneurs may overlook this important source of early-stage investment, only to find their company is not mature enough to interest venture capitalists.

Our panel will feature three experienced investors from Life Science Angels, the leading Silicon Valley angel group, who will describe how angels are distinct from venture capitalists, their investment criteria, the process of a decision, and ways to stand out from other companies competing for funding.

Our panel will be:

Peter A. Socarras, JD MS, President and Board Director

Sammy Datwani, PhD, Board Director

Vlad Hogenhuis, MD MBA, Investor

Join us in person at UCSF Mission Bay, Mission Hall Rm 1402, on April 9 at 5:30 pm for this panel session and a reception afterward.

Success

UCSF Tech in the News