About

The United States leads the world in innovation, research and technology, but risks losing its national security edge to rising competitors. Catalyst aims to drive more and better investment in, and adoption of, security innovations by strengthening connections between innovators, researchers, investors and policymakers. An initiative of the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, Catalyst’s goal is to broker partnerships, and provides practical, effective policy recommendations to improve U.S. competitiveness and enhance global stability and prosperity.

Give to Catalyst

Catalyst focuses on two complementary sets of activities

First, Catalyst improves the links between national security organizations, entrepreneurs, academia, and investors. Specifically, Catalyst identifies promising technology solutions with national security applications among San Diego’s research and development centers, start-ups and established companies, and helps innovators navigate the U.S. government system, reducing the barriers to entry, and ultimately leading to deployment of new and better technology.

Second, accelerating innovation also requires addressing the structural and policy barriers that too often block the adoption and deployment of new solutions. Our research focuses on identifying where policies or processes are blocking innovative solutions, and offering practical solutions for policymakers.

Catalyst is based in San Diego, a global hub for entrepreneurial business, technology development and academic research. With its location on both land and sea borders, San Diego is home to operational elements of a large number of national security agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security, Energy, Justice, Interior and Defense, as well as the Center for Disease Control and local first responders. This ecosystem provides the unique ability to quickly identify national security challenges and develop potential solutions. 

Leadership

Scott Tait Executive Director

Tai Ming Cheung Director, UC Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation

James Cross Director and Partner, Franklin Templeton Investments