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UC entrepreneurship council rolls out proof‑of‑concept projects and global founder pilot
Summary
The President's Entrepreneurship Network Council told Regents it has launched a $2 million proof‑of‑concept pilot across all 10 campuses, highlighted about 50 projects including a UCLA bladder‑cancer device, and is rolling out a governor‑funded Global Entrepreneur‑in‑Residence pilot to retain international founders in California.
The University of California's President's Entrepreneurship Network Council on Wednesday updated Regents on implementation of the May 2021 innovation recommendations, including a proof‑of‑concept fund now running projects at every campus and a governor‑funded pilot to retain international founders.
Paul Robont, associate vice chancellor for innovation and commercialization at UC San Diego and chair of the council, said the Regents-approved $2 million proof‑of‑concept (POC) fund is now supporting roughly 50 early-stage projects across all 10 campuses. "As of last October, all 10 campuses are now running projects under this proof of concept program," Robont said, describing the fund as a way to bridge research to early commercialization.
Project examples: Robont highlighted Hybrid Reefs, a San Diego nanotechnology project that received a $50,000 POC award to design a rapid spray coating for accelerating coral reef growth and coastal resilience. He said the Department of Defense is among interested supporters because of coastal-resilience applications.
Clinical example: Robert Chin, assistant professor of radiation oncology at UCLA, described a POC‑funded prototype of an internal balloon device to treat bladder cancer. "Instead of trying to deliver radiation from the outside in, we deploy a balloon like device into the bladder," Chin said, explaining that the approach stabilizes bladder shape and enables targeted internal radiation with less exposure to surrounding tissue. Chin said the POC funds enabled him to produce a prototype and begin substantive discussions with device manufacturers and investors.
Global founders pilot: Robont said the council implemented a Global Entrepreneur‑in‑Residence (EIR) pilot funded by $4 million from the governor's office to help retain international student founders who otherwise lose visa status upon graduation. The program received applications from founders at multiple campuses; President Michael Drake approved an initial cohort and additional approvals are pending, Robont said.
Mentor networks and awards: The council is also compiling data on campus mentor networks to identify gaps and best practices and is preparing a Regents Innovation Awards program to recognize UC inventors; materials for that awards program will be presented to the Regents soon.
Regents' perspective: Regents praised the council's progress and urged continued support even amid fiscal constraints. Regent Park, who helped originate the POC idea, urged additional funding for the pilot fund; others highlighted the program's potential to create new companies and jobs and to provide opportunities for undocumented students through entrepreneurship pathways.
Ending: Council leaders said they will report outcomes and follow-ups in October and when program milestones are reached; Robont said the POC recipients will report back one year after initiation and the council will continue to pursue funding and mentor‑network improvements.
