Chancellor’s Innovation Impact Awards

Join us for the Innovation Impact Awards program celebration, a festive event honoring some of UC Santa Cruz’s most innovative and creative individuals and communities.

Thursday, May 7, 2026
4 p.m.
UC Santa Cruz National Academy of Inventors Chapter From Campus to Commerce panel featuring a group of dynamic campus innovators and external commercialization partners bringing innovations to market

5:30 p.m.
Hor d’oeuvre reception followed by the awards presentation and celebration

UC Santa Cruz University Center
College Nine Rd, Santa Cruz, CA

REQUEST REGISTRATION

The awards recognize faculty, researchers, staff, students, and community partners for their valuable contributions to innovations and creative scholarship that have sparked transformative change and societal impact.

This year we will be recognizing and celebrating the following inspiring awardees:

Innovator of the Year
Mike Beck, director of the Center for Coastal Climate Resilience, is advancing innovative nature-based solutions that protect coastlines and communities from climate-driven storms and flooding.

Translation of the Year
NeuroSWARM³, a groundbreaking neurophotonic technology developed in the Yanik Lab enables wireless, minimally invasive monitoring of brain activity at unprecedented scale and resolution.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Richard E. Green, professor of biomolecular engineering, has built a career defined by groundbreaking innovations in genomics and computational biology, and translating fundamental science into lasting societal impact.

Community Changemaker
Bud Colligan has used venture capital, philanthropy, and community partnerships to strengthen the economic vitality, health, and opportunity of the Monterey Bay and Central Coast regions.

The event will also bring together a dynamic and diverse group of people who contribute to an ecosystem and environment that spurs innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship at the university and within the community.

We hope to see you there!