Innovation Campus Coming to Sacramento

Even before he arrived last year, UC Davis Chancellor Gary May began working on an idea to bring a collaborative “innovation hub” to Sacramento.

Together with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, J.D. ’84, May announced in April that the new center will be located on the UC Davis Health campus in the Oak Park area of the capital city.

It could house academic programs, startup space, housing and retail. May helped develop a similar concept in Technology Square in Atlanta while at Georgia Tech.

“Building this new center of innovation alongside the existing UC Davis Health campus will not only ensure a tight connection to the school’s great minds and resources but will also create jobs and economic development in the heart of Oak Park, along with more real opportunity for young people from all low-income neighborhoods in Sacramento,” Steinberg said.

In addition to job creation, internships for students will be a feature of Aggie Square, as well as opportunities for students to gain experience in research laboratories.

Community partners aim to spur the Sacramento region’s economy and exemplify public-private partnership.

“As we move forward … our commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant community will be a priority, including making sure we create economic development and jobs for the local community,” said May. “Aggie Square has the potential to serve as a model for bringing diverse communities together for positive change.”

Next, UC Davis will review a market analysis and develop detailed concepts of the UC Davis Health site.