From Academia or Research Institute

Every therapy, every device, every breakthrough company begins with a discovery. This award honors a California academic institution, research institute, or non-profit whose scientific finding or research initiative has the potential to reshape human health. California’s research community is the foundation everything else is built on and this award celebrates their pivotal role.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Academic institution, research institute, or non-profit organization based in California
• Nominated for a specific scientific discovery or research initiative advanced within the last 18 months
• Must have clear potential to advance human health

Company or Organization

This award recognizes life sciences organizations that have harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) to drive transformative advancements in healthcare, research, or operations. It honors innovations leveraging AI to address complex challenges, accelerate discovery, and create a more efficient and effective future for the life sciences sector.

Eligibility Criteria:

• A life sciences organization headquartered in California, or with a significant presence in California.
• Nominated for an AI-driven innovation that is addressing complex challenges and/or accelerating discovery

Biotech or Pharmaceutical Product

California has always believed the hardest problems in human biology are worth solving. This award honors a California biotech or pharmaceutical company that has crossed a landmark regulatory milestone with a product that changes what treatment looks like for patients, demonstrating that the most innovative medicines in the world are discovered and developed here.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Biotech or pharmaceutical company headquartered in California or with significant California presence;
• Nominated for a product that has achieved FDA approval or significant regulatory milestone within the last 18 months;
• Product must address meaningful unmet medical need, improve patient outcomes, or otherwise advance public health

MedTech, Digital, or Diagnostic Product

The future of healthcare is being imagined and engineered in California, where engineering meets biology, and where a single device or digital tool can profoundly change a patient’s trajectory. This award recognizes a California medical device, digital health, or diagnostic company that has hit a significant regulatory or commercial milestone with a product that genuinely advances how we detect, monitor, or treat disease.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Medical device, digital health, or diagnostic company headquartered in California or with significant California presence;
• Nominated for a product that achieved a key regulatory or commercial milestone, such as FDA clearance or approval, within the last 18 months;
• Product must address meaningful unmet medical need, improve patient outcomes, or otherwise advance public health

Non-profit or Community-based Organization

Named in honor of Elizabeth Schar, a champion for equitable science education, this award recognizes non-profit or community-based organizations that have made exceptional contributions to inspiring the next generation of life sciences innovators. The award highlights initiatives, programs, or organizations dedicated to STEM education for students, fostering curiosity, empowerment, and inclusion to cultivate a strong pipeline of future leaders.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Non-profit or community-based organization based in California
• Focused on STEM education, mentorship, or career development
• Programs serving underrepresented or under-resourced student populations are strongly encouraged to apply

Early-Stage Company

Every great California life sciences company started with a hypothesis and a founding team willing to bet everything on it. This award recognizes a company founded within the last seven years that is advancing novel science, hitting meaningful milestones, and building toward a future medicine hasn’t fully imagined yet.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Life sciences company headquartered in California
• Founded in 2019 or later
• Nominated for scientific, clinical, or commercial milestones achieved within the last 18 months

Individual Life Sciences Champion

California’s life sciences ecosystem is built on science, but shaped by people. Pantheon’s highest award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing the California life sciences sector. It celebrates those who have significantly shaped the industry through their achievements, mentorship, and enduring contributions. This award recognizes a legacy of impact and innovation, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Individual with significant and sustained career contribution to California’s life sciences industry or academic/research ecosystems
• Must have direct, demonstrable ties to California’s life sciences community through company building, scientific leadership, institutional impact, or ecosystem development
• Open to active and retired leaders across industry and research; supportive service industries not eligible