Catalyst Accelerator Awards for the Development of Therapeutics, Diagnostics, Medical Devices, and Digital Health
UCSF's Catalyst Accelerator Awards support faculty-led translational research in therapeutics, diagnostics, devices, and digital health, advancing projects with proof-of-concept data toward clinical and commercial impact.
Funder: University of California San Francisco
Due Dates: September 28, 2026 (RAP application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 per award; 12-month project period; offered only in the Fall cycle.
Summary: Supports UCSF faculty-led translational research in therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health, with mentorship and funding to advance projects toward commercialization.
Key Information: Only UCSF faculty may serve as PI or co-PI; awardees must have proof-of-concept data and a clear commercialization path.
Description
The Catalyst Accelerator Awards at UCSF are designed to propel innovative, scalable, and impactful projects in therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health from early translational stages toward clinical implementation or commercialization. This program offers a structured, two-phase process: an initial Consultation Award phase with tailored mentorship and milestone planning, followed by the opportunity to compete for final funding. Awardees receive not only financial support but also ongoing expert advice from industry and subject matter leaders, with a focus on projects that have moved beyond discovery, possess proof-of-concept data, and demonstrate strong commercial and intellectual property potential.
