UC Santa Cruz has announced the Innovation Catalyst Grant proof-of-concept program awardees, showcasing the campus's dedication to fostering transformative research with significant societal benefits. Managed by the Innovation & Business Engagement Hub, the program offers funding, mentorship, and training to help researchers validate their technologies commercially. This year's projects focus on environmental sustainability, biomedical innovation, and renewable energy, aiming to improve Californians' lives. The Lean Launchpad workshops and NSF I-Corps Hub at UC Santa Cruz equip researchers with skills for innovation transfer and commercialization. Among the awardees, projects involve detecting contaminants, revolutionizing drug discovery, and innovating preclinical testing methods. Chemistry professor Scott Oliver's project on sustainable hydrogen production stands out for generating hydrogen using a gallium-aluminum composite, addressing climate action goals and supporting renewable energy. The Innovation Catalyst Grant program, backed by the UC President's Entrepreneurship Network Council, highlights UC Santa Cruz's commitment to impactful research. By de-risking and validating innovations, the program ensures research moves from the lab to real-world applications, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Assistant Vice Chancellor Ryan Sharp emphasizes the university's role as an innovation hub, empowering researchers to tackle societal challenges and drive lasting impact.