Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute

Mission and History The Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS) create information technology solutions for society’s most pressing challenges. The Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS) leverage the research strengths of the 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. We strengthen bridges between world-class laboratory research, state and national policymakers, and companies and startups creating new applications and reshaping entire 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, the Berkeley Marvell Nanofabrication Laboratory at CITRIS, the CITRIS Invention Lab and the CITRIS Foundry. We bring the expertise of multiple disciplines to bear on critical challenges such as designing sustainable energy, water and transportation systems; improving the human experience with robotics and inclusive intelligence; modernizing health care delivery; fostering responsible tech policy; promoting diverse perspectives; and examining the future of work and the global economy in the age of automation. 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 benefits. History Since its creation in 2001 as one of Governor Gray Davis’ 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 the University of California expertise and IT solutions for the benefit of developing regions in the United States and abroad. This widening sphere of influence is celebrated in our name, “CITRIS and the Banatao Institute.”