The Catalyst Program is UCSF’s translational accelerator focused on advancing UCSF discoveries for patient benefit and commercialization. The Catalyst Program enhances early translational research and entrepreneurship education for UCSF Innovators (Faculty, Students, Trainees).
Catalyst Awards
The centerpiece of the Catalyst Program is the Catalyst Awards, our program that provides both industry advisor mentorship and seed funding to UCSF Principal Investigators with promising projects. The Catalyst Awards are focused on the development of therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, digital health, and biotools.
APPLICATION INFORMATION ALL catalyst AWARDEES Industry advisor SELECTION COMMITTEE
Catalyst LaunchPad
The Catalyst LaunchPad focuses on student and trainee (including postdoctoral scholars, medical residents, clinical fellows, etc) innovation and entrepreneurship - regardless of career path. The LaunchPad offers several hands-on experiences and learning opportunities to cultivate an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset amongst students and trainees.
Kunal Patel UCSF Innovation Fund
in support of the Catalyst Program
Learn more
On February 6, 2024, the UCSF Catalyst Program hosted its third Rare Disease Symposium titled "Catalyzing Innovation and Bridging Gaps in Rare Diseases" sponsored by Foundation Ipsen. This event was combined into a two-day symposium with LaunchBio's "Invest in Cures".
Internship
The Catalyst Internship provides an opportunity to be part of an innovative project team to learn about early translational research and the process of translating academic discoveries into products for patient benefit. The primary focus for Catalyst Summer Interns is to draft Target Product Profiles (TPPs) for the Catalyst Award projects. While creating the TPPs, interns will learn about important aspects of translating an idea into a project.
Newsletter
The Catalyst Program Newsletter contains program highlights, success stories, funding resources, and upcoming events and opportunities.
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Resources
The Catalyst Program has compiled a list of disease databases, incidence & prevalence figures, core facilities information, as well as other useful links to guide researchers and students through the translation of therapeutic, diagnostic, medical device, digital health, and biotool discoveries to clinical impact.