Picture this hypothetical: Another cutting-edge discovery happens in a laboratory beaker or on a computer screen crisscrossed by lines of code. Researchers agree it’s a big leap with real-world applications, but when it comes time to turn the published scientific paper into a business plan, they’re unsure of next steps or what use cases for their invention exist on the market.
It’s this disconnect between research and commercialization — colloquially known as “the valley of death” — that UC Berkeley, in conjunction with partners at eight public universities, will address over the next five years thanks to a $15 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant will fund regional trainings and new instructors as well as program expansion and outreach through affiliates, helping broaden the hub’s overall impact.
“We’re excited to apply Berkeley’s expertise in basic research and entrepreneurship to push innovation forward all along the West Coast,” said Chancellor Rich Lyons, the principal investigator on the project in his former capacity as dean of the Haas School of Business.
Berkeley will serve as the lead institution for the newly organized NSF Northwest Region Innovation Corps Hub, which includes UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Francisco, UC Santa Cruz, Oregon State University, University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Washington. As the world’s top producer of venture capital-funded startups founded by undergraduate alumni, Lyons added, Berkeley is perfectly poised for this role.
Full story: Berkeley to lead ‘Innovation Hub’ helping turn basic research into innovative businesses – Berkeley News
