Faculty Pitch Competition
The Faculty Pitch Competition provides faculty with the opportunity to showcase the translational potential of their groundbreaking research. It is held each May and December, and is hosted by the UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences in partnership with the Office of Innovation and Research. Serving as a gateway to the Bridging Biomedical Breakthroughs (BBB) Summit, this event invites faculty to pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of distinguished investors, CEOs and industry leaders. These experts offer valuable feedback to support faculty in refining their approach, positioning their research for future funding, development, and real-world application.
Selected faculty from the competition advance to present their research at the BBB Summit, where they are introduced to a broader audience of venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and life sciences leaders. The faculty pitch plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of innovation, bridging the gap between academia and industry. By connecting researchers with external partners, the event helps accelerate the journey from scientific discovery to impactful solutions in health, sustainability and technology.
Hosted by School of Biological Sciences, in partnership with School of Medicine and Office of Innovation and Research
Theme: Innovations in rare disease and pediatrics
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Time: 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Location: UC San Diego campus (exact location TBD)
Application and registration forms:
- Faculty: Faculty interested in presenting their pitch will need to fill out this brief application. Selected faculty will be notified by May 6, 2025. Faculty Application
- Judges: Investors, CEOs, attorneys and industry experts interested in judging can express their interest here. Selected judges will be notified by May 6, 2025. Judge Application
- Attendees: This event is open to the community, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, alumni, investors, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Attendee Application
Questions? Contact Melissa Hoon at mhoon@ucsd.edu