2026 Applications are closed
Program Description
QB3-UCSC will offer Postdoctoral support for candidates with demonstrated potential for rapid development of impactful science or technology solutions. This fellowship is designed to enable and encourage further development of new or existing innovative approaches that would benefit from further technical development, de-risking, or expanding into new application areas.
QB3-UCSC Postdoctoral fellows will be selected based on documented past innovation with proven translational and commercial potential.
Fellows will receive $100,000 of flexible support for one year. This support is not intended to fully cover the salary, benefits, and research costs for the fellow. QB3-UCSC support will necessarily be augmented by non-QB3-UCSC funding sources to cover the full cost of the fellow and their research activities. Fellows will join the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem of QB3-UCSC and will be eligible to participate in QB3 program activities.
Eligibility
Applications can be submitted by current or potential UCSC postdoctoral fellows. Applicants must be eligible for post-doctoral level appointments and have a participating Principal Investigator host who retains the primary responsibility for supporting the Fellow.
Strong applicants will:
(1) have a record of peer-reviewed publications demonstrating their achievements in innovation
(2) be listed inventors on US Patents or other forms of intellectual property whose subject area is the focus of the Project Description.
(3) clearly articulate their interests and plans for translational development of their project
Application Process
The application and review process is designed to be uncomplicated and transparent. Application materials will be reviewed by the QB3-UCSC Internal Review committee.
The deadline for application is December 15, 2025. Awardees will be notified after review, likely early 2026.
Graduate Innovators Fellowship Program
2026 Applications are closed
Program Description
QB3-UCSC will offer Graduate Fellowship (GSR) support for a few current Graduate students. QB3 fellows will be selected based on demonstrated innovation in biotechnology, genomics, or a related field. These fellowships are offered to support innovative research directions that are poised for commercialization.
Fellows will receive GSR-level support in-line for their graduate program. Fellows will join the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem of QB3-UCSC and will be eligible to participate in QB3 program activities.
Here’s a link to current and past QB3 Fellows.
Eligibility
Applications can be submitted by current UCSC graduate students whose thesis work involves innovation and discovery that is primed for translational or entrepreneurial activity. A letter of recommendation from your PI is required.
Strong applicants will:
(1) have publications describing their innovations and inventions
(2) have made an invention disclosure to the UCSC Innovation Transfer Unit
(3) advanced to candidacy in their graduate program
(4) articulate their interests and plans for entrepreneurial development of their project
Application Process
The application and review process is designed to be uncomplicated and transparent. Application materials will be reviewed by the QB3-UCSC Internal Review committee.
The deadline for application is October 19, 2025. Awardees will be notified by November 7, 2025. Fellowship support will start 2026 Winter Quarter and run through the 2026 Fall Quarter.