Academic Innovation Catalyst (AIC) seeks to unlock more academic innovation in deep technology fields for positive social impact, with an emphasis on Climate Tech and AI for Good. AIC offers early-stage, proof of concept funding and hands-on support to academic innovators to explore “beyond the lab” applications of promising discoveries. Funds are intended to support the exploration of commercialization paths, rather than basic research, whether through venture-backed, impact (double bottom line) or sustainable philanthropic endeavors.

AIC generally seeks to act as a “force multiplier” for existing entrepreneurial programs, incubators and accelerators associated with R1 Research Institutions. AIC has already established partnerships with the Bakar Fellows Program, the largest proof of concept funding platform at UC Berkeley, and CITRIS and the Banatao Institute, a University of California research center focused on creating IT solutions that generate societal and economic benefits for everyone.