MISSION The Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) and the Banatao Institute create information technology solutions for society’s most pressing challenges. CITRIS and the Banatao Institute leverage the research strengths of University of California campuses at Berkeley, Davis, Merced and Santa Cruz, and operate within the greater ecosystem of the University and the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley. The institute was created by the California state legislature to shorten the pipeline between world-class laboratory research and the development of applications, platforms, companies, and even new industries. CITRIS and the Banatao Institute facilitate interdisciplinary work among hundreds of University of California faculty members, students, corporate partners, and international institutions. Together with these public and private partners, we are shaping the future of technology in ways that cross traditional boundaries. From concept to prototype, the CITRIS invention ecosystem includes competitive seed funding, specialized testbeds, Marvell Nanofabrication Laboratory, CITRIS Invention Lab, and the CITRIS Foundry startup accelerator. We bring the expertise of multiple disciplines to bear on critical challenges such as designing sustainable energy, water and transportation systems; fostering civic engagement in the digital era; improving the human experience through advances in robotics and automation; and modernizing health care delivery. CITRIS and the Banatao Institute represent a bold and exciting vision that engages one of the top university systems in the world to generate social and economic benefit. Since its creation in 2001 as one of four interdisciplinary institutes for science and innovation at the University of California, CITRIS has demonstrated an impressive return on investment by any measure. Through collaboration with industry, government agencies, and international partners, CITRIS has enabled innovations in nanotechnology, computer science, engineering, manufacturing, social media and other sectors. Notable contributions include the California Telehealth Network, the Pacific Research Platform, the California Report Card citizen engagement platform, annual seed funding for interdisciplinary research, and more than 70 high-tech startup ventures. In 2016, we recognized the Banatao Institute as an integral part of our affiliated UC campuses. In alignment with the goals and values of Dado and Maria Banatao, the Banatao Institute at CITRIS leverages University of California expertise and IT solutions for the benefit of developing regions in the U.S. and abroad. This widening sphere of influence is celebrated in our new name, “CITRIS and the Banatao Institute,” which debuted across the four campuses in Fall 2016. See how CITRIS and the Banatao Institute have created interdisciplinary IT solutions for California and beyond:
| Types | Organization |
| Start date | 2001 |