Talent Development

Developing Innovative Leaders in Food and Health

As a global leader in nutrition and sustainability, UC Davis integrates food and interdisciplinary collaborations into every school and college on campus. Through our Fellowship Programs, we prepare our students and scholars to effectively bridge the gap between research and industry through partnerships with mission-aligned venture capital firms, and other hands-on learning experiences.

A key objective of our Fellowship Program is to build out the entrepreneurial ecosystem at all levels of education and produce top talent for the entire food innovation landscape.

Group of scientists performing tests in a lab

Venture Capital Partners

Our community of VC Partners help shape the future landscape of food and health innovation

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Fellows and Alumni

Explore our growing pool of talent, ready to transform the food and health systems

Meet Our Fellows

Fellowship Programs

For PhDs & Postdocs

For MBAs

Summer Entrepreneurial Fellowship

A unique experience to determine a go-to-market strategy for a real innovation

Group of students at a Mission Barns tour

MBA Fellowship

Giving our business students applied, real-time market research and startup experience

Applications are currently closed. Please check back again in September.

For Undergraduates

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Catalyzing the next generation of talent with applied research experience

Applications are currently closed. Please check back again in January.

Fellowship members giving a presentation

First-Year Aggie Connection

Introducing UC Davis’ newest community to the food innovation ecosystem

Applications are currently closed. Please check back again in November.

Testimonials

As an emerging firm that wants to go fast, but also deep and diligently, our partnership with UCD IIFH has allowed us to implement frameworks and networks so that we can more quickly hone in on areas of interest, build technical expertise, and make informed investment decisions.

Our PhD fellows have supercharged our team and remain a close part of our network.

Noramay Cadena

Managing Partner

FoodShot Global has worked with four IIFH fellows over the years, and they all contributed valuable insights, knowledge, and expertise.

We love engaging with IIFH students because they really understand the science behind some of the most exciting food/ag innovations. Beyond that, it's a privilege to work with these emerging entrepreneurs as they prepare to bring their groundbreaking research out of the lab and into the market.

Sara Eckhouse

The Innovator Fellowship is a fantastic program that's mutually beneficial to both the host firm and intern.

Our fellow was extraordinarily helpful in bringing an academic mindset to diligencing investment opportunities and conducting in-depth research into cutting edge science within our areas of focus. We highly recommend the fellowship to any firm looking to enhance their team with deep insights and a fresh perspective.

Ashley Hartman

Managing Partner

I can confidently say my time as an IIFH Fellow has greatly changed my career path…

By working as an IIFH Fellow I was forced out of my scientific comfort zone and have proven to myself I am capable of understanding science in extremely diverse contexts. Beyond science, I have been able to understand other basic business considerations by participating in exit analysis, market analysis, regulatory fundamentals, intellectual property, and patent processing. It has been extremely useful to have this basic framework to put my scientific experience into context.

Jake Gonzales, PhD

Host VC: Supply Change Capital

The Innovator Fellowship opened my eyes to the diverse approaches taken to commercialize academic research.

This experience has broadened my potential career path and provided me with a fundamental framework to apply to my future endeavors.

Roisin O’Sullivan

Host VC: FTW Ventures

I appreciated the dynamic pace of work and the opportunity to quickly gain proficiency in a diverse range of topics.

Attending numerous pitches and meetings has provided me with valuable insights into the expectations VCs have for startups seeking funding. This knowledge will be instrumental in driving the successful launch of my own startup.

Ashely Neisen, PhD

Animal Science
Host VC: BioGenerator

I am thrilled to have been part of the Innovator Fellowship program.

Through comprehensive market research in the agriculture and venture capital sectors, I gained a deep understanding of the critical importance and inherent challenges of fostering diversity and inclusion in a traditionally homogeneous space. Additionally, I gained valuable experience in deal sourcing, marketing, and logistical planning.

Andrea Tam

Host VC: Radicle Growth

Interacting with dozens of entrepreneurs at the early stages and learning the inner workings of venture capital gave me a venture capitalists’ and successful founders’ frame of mind…

My experience afforded me the knowledge, the network, and experience that will help me succeed in founding and running a startup.

Maura Livingstone Nganga, PhD

Host VC: FTW Ventures

My experience as an IIFH Fellow has honed my skills as a professional scientist and a businesswoman.

It has allowed me to learn about the world of agricultural investment and technology development, but most importantly, allowed me to learn more about myself, what I value, and what I enjoy doing as a career.

Katie Murphy, PhD

Host VC: TechAccel

These are lessons that cannot be taught in a classroom setting.

These are real companies, with real challenges, and real money on the line. The in-person experience of participating in these discussions has strongly influenced my entrepreneurial mindset.