Faculty Innovation Pitch

The Faculty Innovation Pitch provides faculty with the opportunity to showcase the translational potential of their groundbreaking research. It is held in Spring and Fall quarters, and is hosted by the UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences in partnership with the Office of Innovation and Commercialization. Serving as a gateway to the Bridging Biomedical Breakthroughs (BBB) Summit, this event invites faculty to pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of distinguished investors, CEOs and industry leaders. These experts offer valuable feedback to support faculty in refining their approach, positioning their research for future funding, development, and real-world application.

Selected faculty from this event advance to present their research at the BBB Summit, where they are introduced to a broader audience of venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and life sciences leaders. The faculty pitch plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of innovation, bridging the gap between academia and industry. By connecting researchers with external partners, the event helps accelerate the journey from scientific discovery to impactful solutions in health, sustainability and technology.

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Hosted by: School of Biological Sciences, in partnership with School of Medicine and Office of Innovation and Commercialization

Theme: Innovations in rare disease and pediatrics

Time: 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Location: Kavli Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Tata Hall, UC San Diego campus

Agenda and faculty presenters: TBD

Application and registration forms:

• Faculty: Faculty interested in presenting their pitch will need to fill out this brief application. Selected faculty will be notified by May 6, 2025. Faculty Application
• Judges: Investors, CEOs, attorneys and industry experts interested in judging can express their interest here. Selected judges will be notified by May 6, 2025. Judge Application
• Attendees: This event is open to the community, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, alumni, investors, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Attendee Application