Catalyst Internship Program

The Catalyst Internship Program provides UCSF learners with an opportunity to work alongside innovators developing novel technologies and translating innovative ideas into healthcare solutions. Interns gain firsthand experience in translational research, product development, and academic innovation while supporting multidisciplinary teams. They are matched with a project team in one of Catalyst's innovation tracks, which include:

• Therapeutics
• Diagnostics
• Medical Devices
• Digital Health/Computational Health (AI)

Participants will engage in interdisciplinary life science innovation spanning medicine, engineering, business, and related fields. Working directly with Catalyst project teams, interns contribute to project development through activities such as market research, competitive landscape analysis, customer discovery, commercialization planning, and other strategic initiatives that help advance innovative technologies toward real-world impact. 

Throughout the program, interns also become part of the broader UCSF Innovation Ventures community by participating in educational workshops, networking events, lunch and learns, and connecting directly with entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, and innovation leaders.

Internship Experience

Catalyst Interns will:

• Be matched with a Catalyst project team and work closely with investigators throughout the program.
• Attend their assigned Catalyst team’s initial two-hour consultation session and participate in additional team meetings throughout the program cycle.
• Support project-specific activities such as market research, customer discovery, competitive analysis, commercialization planning, and other strategic initiatives.
• Present project updates and recommendations to the Catalyst team and project teams as appropriate.

Time Commitment

The internship is designed to be flexible and compatible with research, coursework, clinical rotations, and other commitments.

Approximate commitment: 5–10 hours per week throughout the Catalyst Program.

Eligibility

The Catalyst Internship Program is open to UCSF learners. Applicants must be enrolled at UCSF for the duration of the Catalyst Program and may not graduate before the program concludes in April 2027.

More about Catalyst

Application opens - Mid September 2026 

Apply Here  

Deadline is Oct 1, 2026

Questions

For questions about the Catalyst Internship Program, please contact:

Inder Takhar, MA (he/him) – [email protected] 

Special Projects Lead, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Medical Device Track Lead, Catalyst Accelerator 

UCSF Innovation Ventures

The Engagement & Opportunity Development (EOD) and Licensing Teams at UCSF Innovation Ventures lead technology commercialization efforts at UCSF. EOD focuses on identifying market opportunities and defining products upfront, while the Licensing Team manages commercialization by selecting industry partners and negotiating licensing and equity terms.

The EOD and Licensing Business Development Internship Program provides students and postdocs hands-on experience in technology transfer, intellectual property, and commercialization. Interns will engage in market analysis, competitive landscape evaluation, go-to-market strategies for startups, and industry partnership development. This program offers real-world exposure to transitioning technology from the bench to market.

Key tasks include:

• Evaluating invention disclosures
• Engaging with faculty and thought leaders
• Learning intellectual property analysis
• Understanding technology commercialization
• Creating marketing materials (e.g., summaries, pitch decks)
• Identifying industry partners
• Understanding licenses, term sheets, agreements, and negotiations
• Participating in entrepreneurial educational opportunities

Eligibility: Currently enrolled UCSF graduate-level students and postdocs in life sciences, biomedical engineering, business, or related fields. Interns must sign a non-disclosure agreement. Please note that the interns will need to be a UCSF affiliate for the duration of the internship. 
Time Commitment: 8–10 hours/week for at least 6 months (unpaid).

Interns benefit from personalized mentorship and exposure to UCSF’s cutting-edge innovation ecosystem.

2027 Deadlines:

1. Oct 30 for a Jan start. Panel interviews will be held early Dec.
2. April 30 for a June start. Panel interviews will be held in early May.

Please send your resume and cover letter to: [email protected]