UC Davis has launched the Aggie Venture Accelerator at Aggie Square, a new initiative designed to help early-stage life science startups transform promising research into scalable companies. The program provides entrepreneurs with access to specialized equipment, mentorship, investor connections, and up to $250,000 in funding support to advance innovations addressing challenges in human, animal, and planetary health. Building on UC Davis’ leadership across food, agriculture, health, and medicine, the accelerator strengthens the university’s role in translating scientific discoveries into real-world impact.
A key partner in the effort is The March Group, which brings venture capital expertise and strategic guidance to help founders navigate the path from research to commercialization. Harold Schmitz, Founding Partner of The March Group and co-founder of the UC Davis Innovation Institute for Food and Health (IIFH), highlighted the growing importance of connecting breakthrough science with entrepreneurial execution. The accelerator reflects a shared commitment to advancing transformative technologies and building an innovation ecosystem where discoveries emerging from UC Davis can reach the marketplace and improve outcomes for people and the planet.
