Congratulations to all of the UCLA Winners of the UC Innovation Awards
Aydogan Ozcan is a leading researcher in AI-powered computational imaging, sensing and optical computing. His work harnesses the physics of light to perform AI computations, paving the way for more sustainable, energy-efficient AI and expanding access to next-generation intelligence beyond traditional data centers.
Jean-Pierre Hubschman founded Horizon Surgical Systems to create an AI-assisted robotic platform that automates complex eye surgeries. His technology standardizes surgical precision, expands access to sight-restoring procedures, and has created 60 high-skill jobs in Southern California.
Gaurav founded Equatic Inc. and leads it with the executive team. He is the Pritzker Professor of Sustainability in UCLA's Samueli School of Engineering, where he is also the Founder and Director of UCLA’s Institute for Carbon Management. Gaurav’s research has led to the creation of multiple decarbonization-related spinout companies including CarbonBuilt Inc., Concrete-AI Inc., Specifx Lithium Inc., x/44 Inc., and Nextli Technologies Inc.
Erika La Plante co-founded Equatic, a company behind an industrial process that uses seawater to capture atmospheric carbon while producing clean hydrogen fuel. The technology is a scalable system for permanent ocean carbon removal and green energy production.
Josh Green established UCLA Ventures as an entrepreneurial community. Leveraging a unique equity-pledge model, UCLA Ventures connects early stage founders with investments and resources. His mentorship network accelerates regional startups and channels financial resources back into university research.
Michael Jung’s research led to the invention of two FDA-approved prostate cancer drugs, Xtandi and Erleada, which have extended the lives of over a million men worldwide. Licensing revenues from his discoveries continue to fund student scholarships and scientific research across the university.
Read About all the UC Winners of the UC Innovation Awards
Photos from the UC Innovation Awards Event Wednesday, September 16 at UCLA Luskin Conference Center
L to R: UCLA Chancellor Frenk, UCLA Professor A. Ozcan, Horizon Surgical CEO JP Hubschman, UCLA Professor M Jung, UCLA Ventures Founder Josh Green, UCLA AVC Amir Naiberg
L to R: UCLA Professor A. Ozcan, UCLA VC of Research and Creative Activities Roger Wakimoto, UCLA TDG AVC Amir Naiberg
L to R: UCLA VC of Research and Creative Activities Roger Wakimoto, Horizon Surgical CEO JP Hubschman, UCLA TDG AVC Amir Naiberg
All photos by Heromade