What is CITRIS?
The Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) and the Banatao Institute create information technology solutions for society’s most pressing challenges. The institute was created by the California state legislature to shorten the pipeline between world-class laboratory research and the development of applications, platforms, companies, and even new industries. The CITRIS ecosystem includes seed research funding, specialized testbeds, Marvell Nanofabrication Laboratory, CITRIS Invention Lab, and the CITRIS Foundry. Learn more about it here.
How many projects/companies are at CITRIS Foundry?
Since 2013, we’ve supported 48 projects/startups that have raised over $100M.
What are you looking for in a project/startup?
The CITRIS Foundry is looking for highly-motivated teams who are ready to make a significant impact on the world. We like ideas that are original and have a potential big impact – economically or socially.
How can I apply to the CITRIS Foundry?
Our application and all the steps to follow can be found here. All interested teams must submit an online written application, while finalists will be asked to join us at UC Berkeley for an in-person interview.
When do you accept applications/teams?
We accept applications on a rolling basis and evaluate teams as program space opens up. Check here for information about our upcoming application.
How long is the CITRIS Foundry program?
Our program is 6 months long. We begin by meeting 4x in the first month for intensive coaching and goal setting. The next 5 months are spent pursuing your team’s goals with the support of specifically tailored programming and mentoring. Optional incubation for an additional 6 months is determined on a case by case basis.
Who can apply to the Foundry?
Teams must include at least one member who is a graduate or undergraduate student, post-doc, faculty, staff, or alumnus affiliated with one of the following UC campuses: UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Merced, UC Santa Cruz or UC San Francisco.
Do I need funding to apply?
Absolutely not. The only requirement is that one of your team members is a student, post-doc, faculty, staff, or recent alumnus affiliated with UC campuses at Berkeley, Davis, Merced, Santa Cruz, or San Francisco.
Will you sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)?
No, we will not. It is not standard practice for any startup accelerator or venture firm to sign an NDA at this point.
