TIME magazine has named several inventions developed by faculty and alumni from the University of California (UC) system among its Best Inventions of 2025. The list includes innovations in health, technology, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
Among the recognized inventions is BrainSense aDBS, a device co-developed by UC San Francisco neurologist Simon Little, which uses adaptive deep brain stimulation to help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Another invention, ChompSaw, was created by UC Davis alum Kausi Raman and is designed as a safe power tool for children to cut cardboard.
HerBrain, led by UC Santa Barbara assistant professor Nina Miolane, is the first digital twin of the maternal brain and aims to provide insights into brain changes during pregnancy. Majorana 1, developed under UC Santa Barbara professor Chetan Nayak in collaboration with Microsoft, represents a significant advancement in quantum computing technology.
UC Irvine professor Michael Leon invented Memory Air, a device that cycles through different scents to improve memory in older adults. UC Santa Cruz professor Beth Shapiro contributed to non-invasive blood cloning technology at Colossal Biosciences, which aids in conserving endangered species.
UCLA professors William Lowry, Heather Christofk, and Michael Jung founded Pelage Pharmaceuticals, which developed PP405, a molecule showing promise in reversing baldness. Wildtype, co-founded by UC Berkeley alum Justin Kolbeck, introduced Salmon Saku—the first lab-grown seafood to receive FDA approval.
Scout Gen 5, AI vineyard management software created with input from UC Davis researchers Kia Behnia and Mason Earles, uses artificial intelligence to map vineyards and monitor plant health. SoundHealth Sonu, co-founded by UC San Francisco alum Dr. Peter Hwang, offers drug-free sinus relief through targeted vibrations.
TPSea Flex, invented by UC Santa Barbara alum Julia Marsh and UC Berkeley alum Matt Mayes, provides compostable retail bags made from seaweed. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, developed in part by UC Santa Cruz astronomers, captures detailed images of the southern sky and supports ongoing astronomical research.
WattTime’s Automated Emissions Reduction system, founded by UC Berkeley alum Gavin McCormick, allows devices to optimize energy use based on electricity generation sources. According to CEO Gavin McCormick: “You can change what time you use energy, and you can change where.”
TIME’s recognition follows Pitchbook’s recent ranking of six UC campuses—Berkeley, UCLA, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Davis, and Irvine—among the top 100 universities globally for producing undergraduate alumni who start venture-backed businesses. The UC system continues to support innovation through its business clubs, incubators, accelerators, and technology commercialization experts who connect campus founders with industry partners. These efforts have helped bring many inventions from concept to market and contributed to economic growth.
The contributions from UC faculty and alumni span fields such as aerospace, health care, agriculture, computing, and environmental sustainability. Their work demonstrates the impact of university-driven innovation on society.
“You can change what time you use energy, and you can change where,” said Gavin McCormick, CEO of WattTime.
Sonia Fernandez, Mike Peña, Tom Vasich, John Harlow, Rose Miyatsu and Robin Marks contributed to this story.
