September 24, 2025
Dear Cal alums, parents, and friends,
According to Professor David Schaffer, an old joke is that there are only three problems with the field of gene therapy: delivery, delivery, delivery. A luminary in chemical engineering, David cofounded 4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT) about 12 years ago to help tackle that problem. It operated out of a campus incubator, and its first hire was a former graduate student who had worked on the technology that the university licensed to 4DMT. Originally focused on developing cures for blinding diseases, today 4DMT — one of seven companies David has cofounded to translate his lab’s research into beneficial applications — is a clinical-stage biopharma company developing therapies for a range of diseases.
David’s company is just one example featured in a new book, Startup Campus, that chronicles UC Berkeley’s emergence as a leader in entrepreneurship and startups. Edited and led by Mike Alvarez Cohen, the university’s director of innovation ecosystem development, the book highlights case studies and explores how campus innovators built an ecosystem, starting in the 1960s, that has led to hundreds of new business ventures each year. The project was funded entirely by philanthropy, and all sale proceeds support research, education, and entrepreneurship at Berkeley.
Mike originally thought that Berkeley’s success was inevitable given its proximity to Silicon Valley. But his research revealed that many leaders and faculty had long been apathetic toward industry, arguing that it was inappropriate to profit from research initially paid for by taxpayers. It was only through focused, intentional changes and a gradual shift in culture that the campus recognized the value of collaboration and arose a leader.
Nearly 100 faculty, staff, and alums contributed to this book, which is built on our research strength, our culture of questioning, and our drive to make a difference. This is a new model for higher ed, one in which scholars and entrepreneurs work together to scale impact for society. I invite you to learn more about the book, or submit your story about how UC Berkeley helped you build a thriving company.
The book is not the only testament to our leadership. For the third year in a row, PitchBook named Berkeley No. 1 in 2025 in terms of the number of venture-backed startups founded by undergraduate alums (1,650 companies), as well as the number of founders (1,804 undergraduate alums). In addition, no other university has more female founders than Berkeley. In claiming the top spots, we surpassed Stanford, Harvard, and MIT.
Our rise to startup stardom was not accomplished alone. With your support, we are rewiring ourselves for the 21st century and showing other universities what they can learn from our journey.
Go Bears!
Chancellor Rich Lyons
According to Professor David Schaffer, an old joke is that there are only three problems with the field of gene therapy: delivery, delivery, delivery. A luminary in chemical engineering, David cofounded 4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT) about 12 years ago to help tackle that problem. It operated out of a campus incubator, and its first hire was a former graduate student who had worked on the technology that the university licensed to 4DMT. Originally focused on developing cures for blinding diseases, today 4DMT — one of seven companies David has cofounded to translate his lab’s research into beneficial applications — is a clinical-stage biopharma company developing therapies for a range of diseases.
David’s company is just one example featured in a new book, Startup Campus, that chronicles UC Berkeley’s emergence as a leader in entrepreneurship and startups. Edited and led by Mike Alvarez Cohen, the university’s director of innovation ecosystem development, the book highlights case studies and explores how campus innovators built an ecosystem, starting in the 1960s, that has led to hundreds of new business ventures each year. The project was funded entirely by philanthropy, and all sale proceeds support research, education, and entrepreneurship at Berkeley.
Mike originally thought that Berkeley’s success was inevitable given its proximity to Silicon Valley. But his research revealed that many leaders and faculty had long been apathetic toward industry, arguing that it was inappropriate to profit from research initially paid for by taxpayers. It was only through focused, intentional changes and a gradual shift in culture that the campus recognized the value of collaboration and arose a leader.
Nearly 100 faculty, staff, and alums contributed to this book, which is built on our research strength, our culture of questioning, and our drive to make a difference. This is a new model for higher ed, one in which scholars and entrepreneurs work together to scale impact for society. I invite you to learn more about the book, or submit your story about how UC Berkeley helped you build a thriving company.
The book is not the only testament to our leadership. For the third year in a row, PitchBook named Berkeley No. 1 in 2025 in terms of the number of venture-backed startups founded by undergraduate alums (1,650 companies), as well as the number of founders (1,804 undergraduate alums). In addition, no other university has more female founders than Berkeley. In claiming the top spots, we surpassed Stanford, Harvard, and MIT.
Our rise to startup stardom was not accomplished alone. With your support, we are rewiring ourselves for the 21st century and showing other universities what they can learn from our journey.
Go Bears!
Chancellor Rich Lyons
Chancellor’s Choice
Alumni Virtual Book Club: Creation Lake — Connect with alums to discuss books through a free, private online forum. The next selection beginning on Oct. 10 is Creation Lake, written by alum Rachel Kushner ‘90 and shortlisted for several awards. It follows a cynical American undercover agent as she infiltrates a mysterious eco-commune in rural France, only to find her mission unraveling as she’s drawn deeper into the group’s strange world. The club selects a new book every two months.
Event: Amplifying disability stories — Beyond the Frame will showcase six powerful short films amplifying disability-focused stories. Following the 90-minute screening, a panel featuring a professor, a student, and two disability advocates will discuss the films and broader disability issues. Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2:30–5:30 p.m., 310 Sutardja Dai Hall. Visit the campus calendar for information and registration.