California Life Sciences (CLS) Announces Winners of 23rd Annual Pantheon Awards
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., October 8, 2026 — California Life Sciences (CLS) today announced the winners and finalists of the 23rd Annual Pantheon Awards. Eight awards recognizing exceptional contributions to the life sciences industry will be presented at the ceremony on November 12, 2026, from 5–9 p.m. at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco.
The 23rd Annual Pantheon Awards honors discoveries Made in California: the birthplace of breakthroughs and the home of what’s next. California has long been the engine of life sciences innovation, and CLS is looking forward to honoring the innovators, companies, and institutions whose discoveries, technologies, and leadership continue to advance our industry and improve lives around the world.
“The Pantheon Awards remind us every year how much of the life sciences industry’s progress starts right here in California,” said Mike Guerra, President and CEO of California Life Sciences. “This year’s honorees represent the very best of our ecosystem: researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies whose work is already changing what’s possible for patients. It’s an honor to recognize them and the shared commitment that keeps California at the forefront of life sciences innovation.”
Award Winners
From groundbreaking academic discoveries to technologies that will change the future of medicine, this year’s Pantheon Award winners represent the entire life sciences ecosystem. CLS is proud to announce the following winners:
- Industry Pioneer – Genentech
- Academic Discovery of the Year – Ziad Obermeyer, MD, UC Berkeley
- AI Catalyst for Health – Noetik
- Biopharma Product of the Year – Revolution Medicines’ RASONQUE™ (daraxonrasib)
- Convergent Technology Product of the Year – Teal Health’s The Teal Wand
- Elizabeth Schar Inspiring Future Leaders – San Diego Squared
- Leadership – Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, UC San Diego
Emerging Innovator Award Finalists
The Emerging Innovator of the Year award recognizes a company founded within the last seven years that is advancing novel science, achieving meaningful milestones, and building towards a future that medicine has not yet fully imagined. Nominations were evaluated based on scientific excellence, potential for impact, and alignment with the Pantheon Awards’ vision of unwavering innovation. Five finalists were selected:
- Character Biosciences
- Cyclarity Therapeutics
- Iolyx Therapeutics
- Profluent Bio
- Samay
The winner will be announced live at the 23rd Annual Pantheon Awards on November 12, 2026. To register or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit califesciences.org/pantheon.
About the Pantheon Awards: For over two decades, California Life Sciences (CLS) has recognized the state’s leaders from across the pharmaceutical, biotech and other allied industries to pay tribute to those making exceptional contributions to the life sciences industry. The Pantheon awards recognize excellence and celebrate the contributions and achievements of leading life sciences innovators representing therapeutic, diagnostic, medical device, and industrial biotechnology companies.
About California Life Sciences: California Life Sciences (CLS) is the state’s leading advocate for the life sciences. We represent the entire innovation ecosystem, from startups and global companies to research institutions and service providers. We champion smart policy, foster strategic connections, and deliver resources that help life sciences companies grow and thrive. Based in the global epicenter of innovation, we work to ensure that the discoveries made here translate into healthier lives everywhere.
###
For media inquiries, please contact:
Katie Kiss
Senior Director, Marketing
(858) 456-8894
[email protected]