Golden State Today

The University of California, Davis’ Innovation Institute for Food and Health, UC Investments, and Denmark’s Novo Nordisk Foundation have announced a collaboration to develop leaders in food and planetary health. This program will provide biotechnology-focused Ph.D. and postdoctoral students from Denmark and the United States with training to translate their research into impactful companies. The initiative involves cross-border exchanges in research labs and innovation centers, along with mentorship from venture capital investors and business leaders.

The first cohort will consist of three fellows from Danish universities and three from UC Davis, starting a six-month rotation in 2026. The program aims to foster knowledge exchange between two biotechnology communities to address global challenges related to food and health. It seeks to create a network of innovators focused on real-world impact by developing scientifically trained leaders with international networks.

UC Davis’ Innovation Institute for Food and Health leverages its expertise in food systems research alongside UC Investments' role as an investment arm managing over $180 billion in assets. This partnership is enhanced by collaborations with Silicon Valley venture capital firms. The Novo Nordisk Foundation contributes its mission of improving human and planetary health.

“Challenges to the world’s food supply are growing and thanks to technology and collaboration, so are solutions,” said UC Chief Investment Officer Jagdeep Singh Bachher. “That’s why UC Investments is delighted to be part of this unique partnership with UC Davis, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and many Danish universities.”

Justin Siegel, faculty director at the Innovation Institute for Food and Health at UC Davis, emphasized the importance of partnerships: “Global challenges at the intersection of food and health can’t be tackled by any one organization alone."

Denmark's Centre for Sustainable Agrifood Systems (START) plays a crucial role by fostering interdisciplinary partnerships across leading Danish universities. Professor Tine Rask Licht from Denmark’s National Food Institute highlighted the significance of translating scientific discoveries into real-world solutions through collaboration.