University of California, Davis has launched the Aggie Venture Accelerator, a new program aimed at helping early-stage life science startups turn research-driven ideas into viable companies.The accelerator, based at Aggie Square, focuses on startups working across life sciences — including health, agriculture food innovation and emerging technologies.KCRA 3 got a tour of the facility, showcasing the tools available to founders. Lemke said one of the biggest hurdles for startups is access, both to specialized equipment and the expertise needed to use it.The program is designed to bridge that gap, offering mentorship, training and connections to investors. Selected startups can receive up to $250,000 through a dedicated fund to help advance technologies addressing challenges in human, animal and planetary health.“This is born at Davis, but really built for the world,” Lemke said.The effort also includes partnerships with investors, including The March Group, to help bring funding and venture capital expertise to the region.“At no time in my career has that intersection been more prominent,” Harold Schmitz with The March Group said. “UC Davis has earned the right to be a leader in bringing transformative technologies to the public.”University leaders say the accelerator builds on UC Davis’ strengths at the intersection of food, agriculture, health and medicine; areas they say are increasingly connected.The accelerator is part of a broader effort to position Sacramento as a growing hub for science-driven startups and innovation.To apply visit the website.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
University of California, Davis has launched the Aggie Venture Accelerator, a new program aimed at helping early-stage life science startups turn research-driven ideas into viable companies.
The accelerator, based at Aggie Square, focuses on startups working across life sciences — including health, agriculture food innovation and emerging technologies.
KCRA 3 got a tour of the facility, showcasing the tools available to founders.
Lemke said one of the biggest hurdles for startups is access, both to specialized equipment and the expertise needed to use it.
The program is designed to bridge that gap, offering mentorship, training and connections to investors. Selected startups can receive up to $250,000 through a dedicated fund to help advance technologies addressing challenges in human, animal and planetary health.
“This is born at Davis, but really built for the world,” Lemke said.
The effort also includes partnerships with investors, including The March Group, to help bring funding and venture capital expertise to the region.
“At no time in my career has that intersection been more prominent,” Harold Schmitz with The March Group said. “UC Davis has earned the right to be a leader in bringing transformative technologies to the public.”
University leaders say the accelerator builds on UC Davis’ strengths at the intersection of food, agriculture, health and medicine; areas they say are increasingly connected.
The accelerator is part of a broader effort to position Sacramento as a growing hub for science-driven startups and innovation.
To apply visit the website.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel