Who We Are

Who We Are

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Whether you're a university affiliate interested in exploring how we can support your research or entrepreneurial ambitions, or from a private company looking for ways to collaborate and support university entrepreneurs, we can help!

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The Innovation and Economic Development Office (IEDO) is where groundbreaking ideas take root and thrive. 

We are dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship by transforming research into impactful solutions that benefit communities, industries and the global economy. From helping launch startups to accelerating technologies born in the lab, our team works closely with faculty, students and industry partners to move ideas from concept to commercialization.   

IEDO is the university’s bridge between discovery and deployment—ensuring that the ingenuity developed at UC Davis leads to lasting societal and economic impact.

Our Pillars

Driven to serve the public good, everything we do is grounded in a commitment to societal impact, academic excellence, and the pursuit of meaningful solutions to urgent challenges. Our work is guided by three central pillars:

 

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Innovation to Impact

We empower faculty and student innovators to transform breakthrough research into tangible solutions. IEDO supports the entire journey from academic discovery to societal impact, providing mentorship, funding, and hands-on guidance to build capability and drive impactful innovation.
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Catalyst for Economic Growth

We fuel regional prosperity through research-driven innovation. IEDO plays a central role in strengthening the greater Sacramento region’s innovation economy, assisting university startups, attracting investment, and helping UC Davis become an anchor institution in economic development.
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Connected Ecosystem

We build bridges across disciplines, industries and communities. Through partnerships, networking, and convening spaces, IEDO fosters a vibrant innovation network that connects people, ideas, and opportunities both within and beyond UC Davis.

Our Programs and Services

Aggie Square

Aggie Square

IEDO is based at Aggie Square, an innovation district located on UC Davis’ Sacramento campus where university researchers, private industry and the community collaborate to drive research breakthroughs and opportunities in human health and life sciences.

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Health Ventures

With an emphasis on cell and gene therapy, neuroscience, oncology and food as medicine, the Health Ventures team translates best-in-class human health research into commercial practice.

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Venture Catalyst

Venture Catalyst plays a pivotal role in transforming innovative research into practical applications by fostering the development of university-affiliated startups through strategic collaborations, outreach and comprehensive support programs.

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