Darren Cooke, Interim Chief Innovation & Entrepreneurship Officer at UC Berkeley, has had a career journey as dynamic as the startups he mentors. From mechanical engineering to patent law and eventually to a leadership role in fostering life sciences entrepreneurship, Darren has worn many hats. For those passionate about innovation, startups, and academic ecosystems, his story offers a treasure trove of insights.
A Career Paved with Bold Transitions
Darren started his professional life as a mechanical engineer but soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. Inspired by a chance encounter, he pivoted to patent law, drawn by the prospect of engaging with diverse technologies daily. After several years in high-stakes litigation at a top law firm, he transitioned to an in-house role at Bio-Rad Laboratories. There, he developed a deep appreciation for the energy and innovation of startups, eventually prompting him to leave the corporate world to work directly with early-stage companies.
Building Berkeley’s Startup Ecosystem
Since joining UC Berkeley, Darren has been instrumental in shaping its entrepreneurial ecosystem. One of his key contributions has been his work with Berkeley SkyDeck, the university’s startup accelerator. Darren co-founded the BioTrack program, a specialized initiative to support biotech and life sciences startups. Under his guidance, SkyDeck has grown from humble beginnings to a program supporting over 300 startups annually, with many going on to achieve significant milestones. For example, one team Darren mentored secured a $230 million BARDA grant after starting their journey at SkyDeck.
Darren also launched the Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Center (LSAC) in 2021. Funded by a generous donation, LSAC serves as a virtual center that connects various resources and stakeholders across Berkeley’s campus. By fostering collaboration among 55 innovation-focused organizations, LSAC has helped solidify UC Berkeley’s reputation as a top institution for venture-backed startups.
Programs Driving Innovation
Darren’s initiatives go beyond mentorship. He’s pioneered creative programs like Bio Startup Speed Teaming, which matches technical innovators with MBA students to explore commercialization opportunities. He’s also spearheaded the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) pilot program, designed to pair seasoned entrepreneurs with university startups, creating a pipeline for leadership and innovation.
Through these programs, Darren is addressing a critical gap: many faculty and postdocs have groundbreaking ideas but lack the business acumen to bring them to market. By building bridges between technical and business talent, Darren is helping transform Berkeley’s research into real-world solutions.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Darren emphasizes the importance of customer discovery in the startup journey. He teaches aspiring founders to conduct stakeholder interviews and validate market needs before diving into development. This methodology has saved countless founders from pursuing unviable ideas, allowing them to pivot toward more promising opportunities. He also champions the value of strong presentation skills, which he believes are crucial for securing funding and building teams.
The Big Picture: Berkeley as a Change Maker
UC Berkeley’s mission to deliver long-term societal benefits aligns perfectly with Darren’s work. By supporting startups through programs like SkyDeck and LSAC, the university is fulfilling its role as a changemaker. Notably, Berkeley has recently surpassed Stanford in producing alumni-founded, venture-backed startups, a testament to the collaborative and innovative spirit Darren has helped cultivate.
Resources for Innovators
For those looking to explore UC Berkeley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Darren recommends starting at begin.berkeley.edu. This platform serves as a comprehensive directory of the university’s innovation resources, offering a wealth of opportunities for founders and innovators.
Darren Cooke’s story is a reminder that with the right combination of passion, adaptability, and collaboration, it’s possible to create meaningful change—both within a university and beyond. For anyone considering a leap into the world of startups, his journey offers invaluable lessons and inspiration
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Chapters:
Introduction and Darren Cooke’s Background (00:01 - 03:30)
From Engineering to Law: Career Pivot (03:31 - 08:00)
Joining Bio-Rad and Gaining Startup Insights (08:01 - 12:00)
Berkeley SkyDeck and the Launch of BioTrack (12:01 - 18:00)
Collaboration Across Campus: Breaking Silos (18:01 - 22:30)
Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Center (LSAC) (22:31 - 28:00)
Programs Supporting Startups (28:01 - 33:00)
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (33:01 - 38:00)
Berkeley’s Rise as a Startup Powerhouse (38:01 - 42:30)
Closing Thoughts and Resources (42:31 - 45:50)
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