In This Section
Startup Companies
UC Davis is known worldwide for its leadership in research. Each year, this research generates new technologies and inventions that are translated into commercial applications, often becoming the foundation of startup companies that have a transformative impact on society.
“UC Davis Venture Catalyst provided the tools to help me grow my startup company.”
Karen McDonald, Co-Founder and Scientific Advisor, Inserogen Technologies
Selected UC Davis Startups
AccenGen Therapeutics
Pharmaceutical company developing inhibitors for safer and more effective anti-inflammatories for treatment of sinusitis, pain, cardiovascular, respiratory indications and cancer.

AlloOnc
Cellular therapeutic using engineered cells to specifically attack metastatic cancer cells and halt malignant metastasis.

AstRoNA
RNA-based molecular biology and nano-technology to identify pathogens
Beiwe Pharma
Mitochondrial targeted therapeutics for orphan disease indications
Certus Critical Care
Novel medical devices to optimize the care of the critically ill and wounded, improving ventilation, fluid administration and hemorrhage control
Cognivive
Developing evidence-based digital therapies in mixed reality video game form to reduce cognitive impairments
Furanica
Development of Furan Fatty Acids (FuFAs), naturally occurring lipids in fish oils, as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals that could protect cardiovascular health
Inserogen
Repurposing the tobacco plant to manufacture vaccines and therapeutics to improve quality of life.

LOGOS 4N
Provides storage and analysis solutions for management of large data systems, including unbiased high-resolution identification and surveillance of human and other species genome/DNA.

MCW Engineering
Developing a resorbable and injectable delivery vehicle that localizes cells at the defect site and promotes tissue repair.

PhotonLab
Industrial mass production of inexpensive photosensors, photosensor arrays, and radiation detectors
Regenerative Arthritis & Bone Medicine (RABOME)
Treatments for osteoporosis and inflammatory arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.

Sapience Therapeutics
Focused on advancing novel therapeutics for high-mortality cancers; initial goal is to develop a first-in-class treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

SynapSense
Wireless sensor network architecture to improve energy efficiency and reduce power and cooling costs in data centers. Company was acquired by Panduit in 2014.

VenoSense
Developing a telemedicine-sensing device that provides feedback to patients and physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous insufficiencies.

AcenXion Biosystems
Digital high resolution and high throughput PCR system
Amaryllis Nucleics
Enabling more efficient RNA-seq library synthesis for diagnostics, pharmaceutical development and food security.

Atacama
Developing a textile that stays dry by attaching a network of water-attracting threads to water-repellent fabric.

Bionate
Direct production of sugar acids and oligomers from cellulosic biomass
Chirp Microsystems
Designing, developing and manufacturing a line of extremely low-power, ultrasonic 3D-sensing solutions for gesture recognition in consumer electronics, smart homes and industrial automation.

Efficient Drivetrains
Developing and marketing advanced plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and battery electric vehicle drivetrain solutions for the global automotive industry.

Glycohub
Biotech company with highly effective enzymatic approaches for high yield and cost-effective production of complex glycans.

Isotropic Imaging Corporation
New CT scanner and imaging algorithms for imaging breast tissue.

Lumewave
Wireless solutions for controlling and monitoring outdoor lighting for cities and municipalities and commercial entities. Company acquired by Echelon in 2014.

Molecular Matrix
Developing advanced research tools for cultivating and growing cells in three dimensions.

Protein Architects
Develops beta-solenoid proteins as "molecular legos" for applications in self-assembly of nanoparticle based devices and materials, environmental remediation and passive mining, structured catalysis and potential tissue engineering.

SensIT
Developing chemical sensors and information systems designed to identify specific chemicals in volatile, aerosol or liquid form.

Tesio Pharmaceuticals
Preventing arthritis after injury
ViVita Technologies
Technology that removes the immunological barriers in animal-derived tissues, rendering them immune-compatible with human patients.

XTB Laboratories
Early detection and rapid response to critical agricultural disease infestations
AimRNA
Novel technology for high-yield production of biologic RNA agents for improved RNA therapeutics
Arcadia Biosciences
Develops genetically modified food crops for increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Atocera
Developing ceramic and semiconductor blades only a few atoms thick, with integrated micro-capillaries to allow for lubricating fluid flow.

CardioProbe
High throughput cardiotoxicity screening and high content cardiac function assays
Circularis
Developing a platform technology to optimize gene expression for agriculturally significant traits in crop plants & livestock.

Evolve Biosystems
Developing the next generation of microbiome-based solutions to establish, restore, and maintain a healthy human gut microbiome.

InnovaNutra
Vitamin, antioxidant and bioactive compound stabilizer and delivery system for food, nutraceutical and cosmetic products.

Juno BioMedical
Developing novel stem cell delivery platforms for regeneration of brain tissue in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia and neurodegenerative disorders.

Luminance Biosciences
Development and rapid translation of companion diagnostics and therapeutics
MUSE Microscopy
A novel slide-free microscope technology for research and diagnostic applications.

PvP Biologics
Development of engineered enzymes to treat Celiac disease
Sage Therapeutics
Develops life-changing therapies to treat rare central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

Shasqi
Creating advanced platform for local drug activation.

Tule Technologies
Provides site-specific irrigation monitoring and recommendations to efficiently meet agricultural production goals.

Vizzario
A non-invasive portable screening methodology and device for detecting traumatic brain injury.

Engage Now
For more information on how to connect with UC Davis startup companies, contact our Venture Catalyst office.