Technology Categories

Whether it's therapeutics, immunotherapies, diagnostics, medical devices, or digital health, UCSF is a leading innovator in healthtech discovery. Here are the startups and licenses that have launched from the university's research and clinical experience.

Therapeutics

At UCSF, therapeutics is regarded as a cornerstone of its mission to advance health worldwide. As a leading institution in biomedical research and patient care, UCSF is at the forefront of developing innovative therapeutic strategies to address some of the most challenging medical conditions. Researchers, clinicians, and educators at UCSF collaborate across disciplines to translate scientific discoveries into groundbreaking treatments, emphasizing personalized and precision medicine approaches. 

UCSF’s dedication to therapeutics aligns with its overarching goal of transforming health care through innovation, compassion, and scientific excellence.

Immunotherapies

Immunotherapies reflect the institution’s leadership in advancing innovative approaches to treating cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and other conditions. UCSF researchers and clinicians are deeply involved in pioneering the development and application of immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapies, monoclonal antibodies, and novel vaccines. The university is home to world-class laboratories and clinical programs that focus on understanding the immune system’s mechanisms and harnessing its power to target disease. Collaboration across disciplines, including immunology, oncology, genetics, and bioinformatics, drives breakthroughs in this field. 

Diagonstic

UCSF is a leader in developing cutting-edge diagnostic tools and technologies, including molecular diagnostics, imaging techniques, biomarker discovery, and genomic testing, to identify diseases and tailor treatments to individual patients accurately. Researchers and clinicians at UCSF work collaboratively across disciplines such as pathology, radiology, genetics, and bioinformatics to improve diagnostic accuracy, speed, and accessibility. The university’s focus on diagnostics also extends to the development of innovative approaches for monitoring disease progression and response to therapy, ensuring optimal care throughout the patient journey. UCSF’s dedication to advancing diagnostic science reflects its commitment to transforming healthcare and improving outcomes through early intervention and personalized medicine.

Medical Deveices

As a leading academic medical institution, UCSF actively engages in the development, testing, and clinical implementation of medical devices, ranging from diagnostic tools and wearable technologies to therapeutic devices and surgical instruments. Through collaborations with engineers, industry leaders, and researchers, UCSF fosters innovation in areas like digital health, robotics, implantable devices, and AI-powered solutions to address complex medical challenges. The university also plays a key role in evaluating the safety, efficacy, and usability of medical devices, often conducting clinical trials to ensure evidence-based adoption. With a focus on patient-centered care, UCSF’s work in medical devices aligns with its mission to advance precision medicine and improve health outcomes globally.

Digital Health

UCSF actively integrates digital health technologies—such as telemedicine, mobile health apps, wearable devices, remote monitoring systems, and artificial intelligence—into clinical practice, research, and education. The university collaborates with technology companies, startups, and interdisciplinary teams to develop and refine digital health solutions that enable personalized medicine, streamline workflows, and enhance access to care, particularly for underserved populations. UCSF also prioritizes rigorous evaluation of these technologies to ensure their effectiveness, safety, and equity in diverse patient populations. By leveraging digital health, UCSF strives to enhance the patient experience, improve disease management, and address some of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare.

AI

UCSF actively integrates AI into areas such as diagnostics, drug discovery, personalized medicine, clinical decision-making, and operational efficiency. Researchers and clinicians at UCSF collaborate across disciplines—including bioinformatics, computational biology, and data science—to harness AI for analyzing complex datasets, identifying patterns, and developing predictive models that improve patient outcomes. UCSF also works with industry leaders and startups to advance AI-powered tools, such as machine learning algorithms for imaging analysis, natural language processing for medical records, and robotics for surgery and care delivery. With a commitment to ethical, equitable, and evidence-based implementation, UCSF is at the forefront of exploring how AI can address global health challenges, enhance precision medicine, and shape the future of healthcare.