University of California Launches 2021 UC Startup Innovation Challenge
2021 UC Startup Innovation Challenge
The UC Startup Innovation Challenge is an annual systemwide entrepreneur competition that highlights the impressive innovations of the UC community.
Launched in 2016 by the UC Office of the President, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Office, this challenge draws student, faculty and staff participants from all ten campuses, five medical centers, three affiliated national labs, and the broader alumni entrepreneur network.
Participants will gain exposure to global funder and investor networks, increase visibility for corporate collaborations, and be reviewed by world-class VC judges.
The top five finalists of each track (Early Stage and Growth Stage) will be selected to pitch at the final showcase during the GCV Digital Forum.
One Winner of each track will be selected by venture capitalist judges at the final showcase. The contest is being held in partnership with Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC), the world’s largest startup competition for entrepreneurs addressing global challenges. All applicants to the UC Startup Innovation Challenge will be automatically entered into XTC. UC Startup Innovation Challenge winners will automatically advance as finalists in XTC’s regional startup competition.
ELIGIBILITY
- Open to all startups founded by at least one UC person (student, faculty, alumni, staff, postdoc, or visiting scholar).
- Open to startups across all verticals (with particular interest for tech for good startups and diverse funding teams). Please also reference XTC Key Categories.
TRACKS
- Early Stage track for startups that have not yet raised Series A funding and are in the pre-product-market stage.
- Growth Stage track for startups that have proof points in product-market fit or have already raised Series A funding.