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Five members of the University of California San Diego community are nominees for the inaugural UC Regents Innovation Awards, a new systemwide program recognizing groundbreaking research, entrepreneurship and contributions to the University of California’s larger innovation ecosystem. 

The awards were launched by the UC Board of Regents in November 2025, with each of the 10 UC campuses and three affiliated national laboratories able to advance one nominee in each category. The five categories include Gamechanger, Disruptive Research, Best Startup, Community Changemaker and Distinguished Lifetime Achievement. Each award recognizes UC inventors and entrepreneurs whose work moves ideas and discoveries beyond the university and into technologies, products and services that can improve lives. 

“Recognition like this reminds us that the strength of the University of California is amplified when our campuses come together around a shared commitment to bold ideas and meaningful progress,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “For UC San Diego, it is an opportunity to honor the people who are pushing boundaries today while inspiring the next generation to imagine what is possible tomorrow. We are proud to celebrate all these wonderful nominees and to contribute to a UC community whose collective ingenuity can help shape a better future.”

The nominations come as UC San Diego continues to play a significant role in the UC innovation ecosystem. According to the University of California’s most recent 2024 Technology Commercialization Report, UC San Diego accounted for 27% of invention disclosures across the UC system, 25% of licenses issued and 33% of startups formed in 2024.

“UC San Diego’s strength in innovation comes from our campus culture of collaboration and curiosity,” said Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Corinne Peek-Asa. “Collectively, these researchers and innovators showcase the remarkable range of activity across our campus, from translating research into products with immediate market impact, to advancing transformative discoveries and technologies. These are examples of University of California research working to address critical societal needs. Congratulations to the finalists who are already winners. Their impact is both undeniable and far-reaching.”

Among the nominees from across the UC system, five represent UC San Diego: