UCSF INNOVATION SHOWCASE & RECEPTION at JPM 2026
On January 13, the UCSF JP Morgan 2026 Innovation Showcase transformed the lobby of 350 California Street into a vibrant hub of scientific discovery and entrepreneurial energy. Hosted by our Executive Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Aenor Sawyer, MD, the event served as a powerful testament to UCSF’s role as a global leader in translating complex research into tangible healthcare solutions.
Under the leadership of Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS, Provost Catherine Lucey, MD, and Director of Innovation Ventures, Vice Chancellor David Morris, MD, the evening highlighted the university's drive to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the bedside.
Fueling the Future of Healthcare
The showcase featured over 40 groundbreaking innovations, representing the diverse and interdisciplinary nature of UCSF’s research ecosystem. Insights into neuroscience, data science, and artificial intelligence were shared by Stephen Hauser, MD, Director of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neuroscience, who discussed the evolving landscape of neurological breakthroughs, and Marina Sirota, PhD, Interim Director of the Bakar Institute, who touched on the critical intersection of data science and health.
From Research to Reality
Beyond the main stage, the event emphasized the practicalities of launching a startup. A series of curated "I-to-I" meetings took place between UCSF innovators and prominent venture capital investors. These high-stakes "matchmaking" sessions were designed to assess the commercial viability of emerging technologies, ensuring that the next generation of life-science companies has the strategic backing needed to thrive.
A Community of Collaboration
Following the formal presentations, the main lobby hosted a lively reception with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and Digital and Tabletop Showcases, co-hosted by UCSF Innovation Ventures and UCSF Development and Alumni Relations. Special thanks to the venue hosts, SKS and SwigCo. The communal space allowed for invaluable networking among scientists, clinicians, and investors, furthering the collaborative spirit that defines the UCSF community.