UC DAVIS
UC Entrepreneurship Academy

 September 9-12, 2025

 

 

Your ideas, your opportunity.

Gain the knowledge and networks to identify, develop and validate the market potential of your research or idea—to successfully move it out into the world.

 

The UC Entrepreneurship Academy is designed for UC Davis graduate students, postdocs, faculty, researchers and staff in all academic fields. Come prepared to engage and grow through discussions, teamwork—and the energy and experience of meeting fellow Aggie Innovators from across campus. 

 


There is no charge for UC Davis participants to attend the academy. We accept non-UC Davis participants by invitation only.

graduate student sitting outdoors with a plant
 
"I realized how critical networks are to making innovative ideas happen. Whether in person or online, connecting to the people around you is the key to success."

—CAROL LEE DIALLO | Ph.D. Candidate | Sociology 

2022/23 Business Development Fellow | UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The academy offers:

  • An opportunity to explore and communicate the market opportunities of your research or idea.
  • Learn how to address the technical, business and market validation of your idea.
  • Lectures, discussions and interactive activities led by UC Davis faculty and leading investors, industry executives and entrepreneurs.
  • Mentoring sessions to focus your approach and hone your pitch.
  • The chance to develop a network of professionals who can help mentor and connect you as you move forward with your career or new venture.

 

Prepare to innovate.

Get Started

  • Many pathways to innovation | The power of the network.
  • Making the leap—from lab to market, from research to business.
  • Reducing uncertainty around your idea.
  • Crafting your elevator pitch.

Validate Your Ideas

  • Market, business and technology validation.
  • Putting together a pitch deck as your living, evolving business plan.
  • Engaging with mentors.
  • Avoiding legal pitfalls.
Woman doctoral student in her lab.

Maintain Momentum

  • Mapping and building your network to succeed. 
  • Growing your team, seeking resources, setting milestones.
  • Discover new opportunities and next steps—on campus and beyond. 

Learn from the Leaders.

Be inspired.

graduate student in her lab
 
"The academy helped me reflect on what my drivers are when it comes to my career. Although my current path may not directly involve entrepreneurship, I still learned applicable frameworks that can help me tackle complex problems in any career I choose."

—AMBER FLORES | Ph.D. Candidate | Plant Biology Graduate Group

2022/23 Business Development Fellow | UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship