Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the purpose of the UC Regents Innovation Awards?
A1: The purpose of the UC Regents Innovation Awards is to:
- challenge the UC community of faculty and researchers to solve the world’s most pressing challenges through use-inspired research, civically-responsible entrepreneurship, and the translation of academic-based research into practical solutions having societal benefit.
- recognize and celebrate UC inventors and entrepreneurs whose creativity, perseverance, and vision exemplify the University’s commitment to innovation through the creation of new technologies, products, and services that uplift lives and advance the human condition.
Q2: When is the nomination period for the Awards?
A2: The nomination period runs from January 1 through May 1, 2026
Q3: Who is eligible to be nominated for these Awards?
A3: Eligibility varies by award category. Generally, current and alumni/emeriti faculty and National Lab research scientists from all disciplines and community partners may be eligible depending on the specific award. The term “faculty” includes full-time tenured and non-tenured instructors/lecturers of any level. Self-nominations, team-nominations and student nominations are not permitted.
Q4: How should campuses handle the vetting of nominees?
A4: Each campus/national lab is free to develop their own nomination process, one that reflects their unique culture and ecosystem. The nomination process should not be a “blind nomination” meaning the nominee should know they are being nominated, cooperate in the completion of the nomination form, and certify the nomination to generate a single nominee for each award category.
Q5: How does a campus / National Lab access the nomination form and submit a nomination?
A5: A representative from each campuses’ Chancellor’s Office or their delegate (similar for National Labs) will access the nomination form, coordinate with the Nominee, secure the Nominee’s certification, secure the affirmation of the Chancellor’s Office, and submit the nominations through the Regents Innovation Awards website. Each campus/national lab shall submit only one (1) nomination for each award. Note that a campus/national lab is free to not submit a nomination for a given award.
Q6: How many awardees will be selected for each award?
A6: Each award will have up to three winners.
Q7: What are the main evaluation criteria for the Awards?
A7: Looking back at achievements occurring within the prior calendar year, the main criteria for the Gamechanger, Disruptive Research and Best Startup Awards are:
- Uniqueness and novelty
- Societal impact
Q8: Recognizing that the impact of a nominee’s work can grow over time, how does one determine when to nominate a particular individual?
A8: Each campus / National Lab is free to set up their own nomination process and may interpret/apply this element any way they choose.
Q9: Must a nominee’s accomplishments leverage University of California intellectual property?
A9: Yes, a nominee must leverage University of California intellectual property. Note the intellectual property can be protectable (i.e., patent, copyright, trademark) or not protectable (e.g., cell lines, anonymized clinical data, etc.) but must be licensable. The foregoing does not apply to the Community Impact Award.
Q10: Who will be involved in the selection process?
A10: A subcommittee of the Regents will make the final selections, informed by input from a subcommittee of the President's Entrepreneurship Network Council plus, in future years, select awardees from the prior year.
Q11: Are there monetary prizes associated with the Awards?
A11: Yes, awardees of the Gamechanger, Disruptive Research, and Best Startup Awards will receive a minimum $10,000 prize. Note, the minimum $10,000 prize for Best Startup will go to the individual UC founder, not to their startup company.
Q12: How are the funds awarded?
A12: The awardee may choose to receive award funds personally to spend as they like (as such, there might be tax implications to the awardees) or as a distribution to their lab/research unit to further advance their innovation.
Q13: Are there restrictions on the use of Award funds?
A13: No. Awardees may spend the funds for any lawful purpose they choose.
Q14: When and where will the Awards be presented?
A14: A public celebration will be held August 2026 at the UC Student and Policy Center in Sacramento, CA.
Q15: In future years, can past awardees be nominated again?
A15: Generally, past awardees are not eligible for the program. However:
- Past nominees who did not receive an award may be nominated again
- Past awardees may be nominated for a different award than the one they’ve previously won
- Past awardees may be nominated for a new innovation
Q16: How should we announce the program on our campus?
A16: You should coordinate with your campus / National Lab Office of Innovation (or similar) and your Marketing & Communications office to develop a communication plan that aligns with the system-wide announcement from the Regents’ Chair and UC President.