Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

"Keep the voice of the customer in every stage to remain relevant and provide the most value to those who purchase your product or service”—Dr. Jennifer Ogeer

UC Davis recently wrapped up the National Veterinary Entrepreneurship Academy. Faculty, graduate students and researchers from veterinary schools across the world learned from leaders in academia and the corporate world who have experience taking innovations to market. Read the article>

“The Big Bang! win was an incredible boost to our startup, and gave us the enthusiasm and confidence all young entrepreneurs crave.”

The competition drew students and alumni from across UC Davis, as well as from colleges and universities throughout California. Together, the Big Bang! and Little Bang!

“I’m excited to be here talking with students, faculty and staff innovators about what they’re working on and how they’re making a difference in the real world.”—Chancellor Gary S. May

People assume that it is just one small item. How much harm can it really do? 

When our group came together in a biodesign class, we wanted to bring attention to small things everyone uses—such as bandages, which millions of people use and that can add up to have a negative impact on the environment. Our product, Biobandage, is a 100% plastic-free, kombucha-based bandage designed to help heal wounds faster than traditional adhesive bandages. Biobandage uses kombucha’s byproduct, bacterial cellulose.

Benjamin Wang, 2014 Big Bang! Business Competition winner and founder/chief medical officer of NeVap Inc., shares how winning the competition helped launch his entrepreneurial journey, notes his successes since then—and explains how the Big Bang! helps innovators go from concept to company. Watch video >