Bakar Award (formerly Spark Award)

The Bakar Award provides $100,000 per year for three years ($300,000 total per PI) to UC Berkeley academic senate faculty whose research has commercial translation potential. Up to eight solo or joint Berkeley awards are made each year. The award funds applied research with commercialization potential across STEM+ fields — engineering, computer science, chemistry, biological sciences, physical sciences, and architecture. Faculty salaries, stipends, and teaching relief are not fundable; equipment purchases over $10,000 require additional justification. Selection is two-phase: written application (3-page proposal, CV, brief budget) followed by finalist presentations to the Advisory Board. Previous Bakar Fellows may reapply if their prior project was completed satisfactorily, all reports submitted, IP filings/licensing/publications demonstrated, and the new project is distinct.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.