UC Davis Highlights Translational Breakthroughs and Startups at the 8th Annual Biotech Innovation Gallery

UC Davis highlighted its expanding portfolio of translational research and university-born startups at the annual Biotech Innovation Gallery (BIG) event in San Francisco. Hosted by UC Davis Health Ventures and Venture Catalyst, under the Innovation and Economic Development Office (IEDO), the event was designed to connect UC Davis innovators with investors and industry leaders while showcasing some of the university’s most promising biomedical research and emerging biotech ventures.

Strategically aligned with the globally recognized J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, the event featured a dynamic mix of presentations, startup showcases and networking opportunities. More than 330 attendees joined throughout the day to learn about innovations from UC Davis and UC Davis Health, connect with university and health system leadership, and explore potential partnerships across the life sciences ecosystem.

Highlighting UC Davis innovation and partnership opportunities 

Building on past BIG events, the 2026 Biotech Innovation Gallery offered a broader program, spotlighting some of the university’s most promising capabilities and translational research across neuroscience, oncology, and cell and gene therapy. Investors and industry were treated to presentations by UC Davis researchers, who showcased a variety of breakthroughs ranging from novel regenerative musculoskeletal therapies to speech-restoring brain-computer interfaces. These sessions were then followed by networking sessions that facilitated deeper discussions about how attendees could partner with UC Davis in advancing health science innovations that drive public impact.

“Innovation in cell and gene therapy depends on close collaboration across science, manufacturing, regulation, and clinical translation,” said Brian Fury, the GMP facility director for UC Davis Health and one of the presenters at BIG. “Forums like this are critical for connecting those perspectives and accelerating the responsible delivery of transformative therapies to patients.” 

A dedicated segment of the program also showcased international startups participating in the Korean Biotech Scale-Up Program at Aggie Square, an initiative launched by UC Davis, FLANN Inc., Greater Sacramento Economic Council, and Wexford Science & Technology to help introduce South Korean life science startups to the U.S. market. Representatives of Foretell My Health, NEAR Brain and Neuracle Science presented their technologies and discussed pathways for market entry and collaboration. 

“Participating in the Korean Biotechnology Scale-Up Program at Aggie Square has been highly valuable for our company,” said TaeJin Ahn, CEO of Foretell My Health. “Through UC Davis Health, we are engaging with a world class clinical and research environment while also tapping into a strong regional startup ecosystem. The UC Davis Biotech Innovation Gallery led to direct conversations with clinical collaborators and investors, which will help us refine our regulatory and market entry strategy for the U.S.”

Throughout the day, founders representing eight UC Davis-affiliated ventures — Phenotap, InStatin, Inc., illumifyDx, Blue Omics, Matrubials, SinewUS, Aperis and Amplifye — participated in one-on-one meetings with industry representatives, potential strategic partners and investors. Those same companies then took the stage during the evening startup showcase, delivering pitches highlighting each company’s progress and opportunities for growth.

Learn more about the innovations and startups presented at BIG

“BIG creates an amazing opportunity for emerging biotech companies to showcase their technologies, build meaningful relationships, and connect with partners who can help accelerate their path to impact,” said Karl Jessen, director of UC Davis Venture Catalyst. “Over the last eight events, we’ve supported 94 early-stage life science startups, facilitated more than 260 one-on-one meetings, and welcomed over 960 investors and industry leaders, which is a testament to the strength of UC Davis’ entrepreneurial ecosystem and the momentum behind these ventures.”

Maria Navas-Moreno, CEO and co-founder of illumifyDx, underscored the impact BIG has had on her venture. "UC Davis’ BIG event has been one of the most valuable convenings we attend during J.P. Morgan Week,” she said. “Presenting at the startup showcase has expanded our visibility across the innovation community and created high-quality introductions to mentors, partners, and investors that have meaningfully advanced our fundraising and partnering discussions.” 

A vision for advancing translational research and university startups

The gallery’s mix of lightning-round talks, startup pitches and networking provided a rich environment for meaningful dialogue and relationship building. Beyond the presentations and informal connections made while attendees enjoyed coffee and waffles, the event also underscored UC Davis’ growing focus on translational research and supporting an entrepreneurial environment that will fuel the regional economy.

“The Biotech Innovation Gallery exemplifies UC Davis’ commitment to driving innovation from the lab to the world,” said Dr. George Baxter, chief innovation and economic development officer for UC Davis. “By bringing together our translational research leaders, international partners, and startup founders during J.P. Morgan Healthcare Week, we are creating a platform that accelerates collaboration and commercialization, and this year’s expanded program underscores that vision.” 

“This event showcased the depth of UC Davis Health’s leadership and innovation in biotech — from our cell and gene therapy initiatives to breakthroughs in neuroscience and oncology,” added Don Taylor, chief ventures officer for UC Davis Health Ventures. “It was inspiring to see our researchers engage with the broader biotech ecosystem. The connections formed here will accelerate translation to patient impact while strengthening revenue diversification for the campus and health system.” 

The UC Davis Biotech Innovation Gallery was made possible through the generous support of UC Davis Health, Squire Patton Boggs and Wexford Science and Technology.