Mission: To be a catalyst for life sciences innovation, bolster our CA community, and help entrepreneurs build successful ventures by offering advisory, complementary programs and access to capital to startups with early-stage innovative, transformational projects.

Purpose: To propel the use of biological sciences to develop innovative and impactful solutions that benefit society and maintain California’s leadership in life sciences innovation.

Who We Serve

At California Life Sciences (CLS), our Innovation & Entrepreneurship programs are designed to empower life sciences innovators at every stage of their journey — from idea to impact.

We serve:

  • Early-stage entrepreneurs and academic founders
    Researchers, inventors, and first-time entrepreneurs seeking guidance to translate scientific discoveries into viable companies. Through programs like FAST and events like Innovation Showcase, founders gain access to seasoned industry advisors, strategic insights, and the tools to refine their business models and milestones.
  • Emerging startups and growth-stage companies
    High-potential startups advancing innovative therapeutics, diagnostics, and medical devices. CLS provides targeted mentorship, visibility, and connection to partners, and strategic collaborators through programs such as Pharma Partnering Days, and the Investor Partnering Forum.
  • Investors and strategic partners
    Venture investors, corporate venture arms, and pharma partners looking to identify and engage with cutting-edge startups from across California’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. CLS acts as a trusted bridge, curating meaningful connections and fostering collaboration opportunities that drive innovation forward.
  • The broader life sciences ecosystem
    Incubators, accelerators, research institutions, and regional partners who share our goal of advancing life science innovation in California. CLS collaborates with these organizations to expand access, resources, and opportunities for entrepreneurs statewide.

Together, we accelerate innovation, fuel entrepreneurship, and strengthen California’s position as the global leader in life sciences.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programs

CLS’s highly regarded and successful FAST advisory program for early-stage entrepreneurs in California, is the seed from which our broader offerings have grown.  Since its inception in 2013, 186 companies have completed the 12-week advisory program, raising >$2B & generating >$50M revenue. These companies have created 1600 jobs; 15 have concluded strategic partnerships, and 15 are in clinical trials.

Learn More

CLS presents the graduating FAST cohort at its bi-annual Innovation Showcase, a partnering and pitch day for the companies to present to a broad audience comprised of potential investors and partners.

Spring 2025 Innovation Showcase Digital Program

Learn More

Partnering Opportunities

Partnering Forum

Driven by post-pandemic need to build opportunities for more in person connections between startups and investors, CLS launch its partnering forum in 2023. The goal was to offer a chance for startups to meet investors that aligned with their technologies, and stage of development. In 2025, over 120 startups applied to the Partnering Forum and the following investors are participating. This event will create 60 intentional meetings. Learn More.

Pharma Partnering Day

The CLS Pharma Partnering Day was designed with this principle in mind; to facilitate strategic engagement between emerging innovators and established pharmaceutical companies.

Access to Capital

Collaboration agreements with the most respected BD&L and partnering conferences; exclusive discounts and presentation opportunities throughout the year.

Science on Tap

Bi-annual Startup Happy Hours

I&E Webinars

On- demand access to educational content for startups.

Interested in Learning More?

Shikha Sharma, PhD
Senior Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
ssharma@califesciences.org
510 384 9108