Innovation Ecosystem
The Stevens Center works alongside our partners within the Office of Research and Innovation and the USC Ecosystem to power innovation, advance research, and support commercialization.
The
Spark
USC Innovation Gateway
Role
Signal + Connect
The front door to USC’s innovation universe, helping people find the right resources right away.
Focus
Unified Information Hub
- A central access point to USC’s entire innovation ecosystem.
- Connects internal and external audiences with the right research, funding, and commercialization resources.
- Highlights cross-departmental programs and success stories.
“When ideas move without barriers, progress accelerates. The Gateway helps USC innovators, including faculty and students, navigate opportunities that transform discoveries into solutions for the world.”
Dr. Ishwar K. Puri
Senior Vice President, Research and Innovation
The
Funds
Research and Innovation Strategy
Role
Support + Catalyze
Accelerates translational research excellence by aligning USC ideas with competitive funding opportunities.
Focus
Grant Strategy & Interdisciplinary Research Development, and Translational Funding
- Provides support for strategic research planning and large grant proposals.
- Helps faculty align research ideas with external and internal funding opportunities.
- Provides translational funding to support early innovation, including the Innovation Catalyst Program, which supports proof-of-concept work, early startup formation, and student internships.
The
Facilities
USC Office of Research Initiatives and Infrastructure (RII)
Role
Structure + Capability
Builds and maintains the research foundation that lets USC innovation thrive.
Focus
Research Infrastructure & Strategic Priorities
- Oversees USC’s research resources and infrastructure.
- Supports the development of core research facilities and shared instrumentation.
“Strong research depends on strong infrastructure. We work to ensure USC’s labs, facilities and resources give innovators what they need to pursue bold ideas and achieve meaningful results.”
Dr. Steven O. Moldin
Associate Vice President, Research Strategy & Innovation
The
Spin-Out
Alfred E. Mann Institute at USC
Role
Strategy + Capital
Provides expertise, support, and financing for early life science ventures need to progress and attract investment.
Focus
Emerging Startups & Early-Stage Incubation and Venture Support
- Provides equity financing in early stage USC start-up companies.
- Offers concierge incubation support for early-stage medical technologies.
- Works with USC inventors to advance healthcare solutions toward commercialization.
- Collaborates with USC Stevens on IP strategy and downstream licensing.
USC Stevens Center for Innovation
Role
Societal Change
As USC’s technology transfer office, The Stevens Center supports the offices and efforts featured on this page, helping innovations progress toward real-world solutions.
Focus
Technology Transfer & Commercialization
- Leads the identification, protection, marketing, and licensing of USC-owned intellectual property.
- Supports faculty through file invention disclosures and protection and commercialization processes.
- Builds bridges between USC inventors and both internal and external industry partners.
“Bringing research to market takes clarity, focus, and momentum. We help USC innovators protect their work, build meaningful pathways forward and turn promising technologies into real solutions that can make a difference.”
Dr. Erin Overstreet
Executive Director, USC Stevens Center
How we Work
Together
- Researchers start with RSD and RII to develop ideas and secure translational funding.
- When discoveries are reduced to practice, researchers work with the USC Stevens Center to protect and license the innovations.
- Life Sciences innovations may receive investment from AMI or startup incubation services.
- Industry Partners and Investors can navigate the USC Innovation Ecosystem Gateway Site.
USC and Techstars Digital Economy Program
This campus accelerator helps pre-seed and seed startups grow faster. Companies with a USC, Keck Medicine, or CHLA-affiliated founder gain mentorship and university resources, with priority for innovations in bioscience, engineering, AI, healthcare, and media technology.
By The Numbers
5
USC-licensed startups in Y25
18
Techstars Accelerator companies as of Mar ’26
37
TechStars Catalyst companies as of Y25
Campus Partners
Innovation Quest
Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship
I-Corps Hub: West Region
MESH Strategic Partnerships
Cell Manufacturing cGMP Facility