Connecting visionaries across science & technology, academia, government, and investment to build ecosystems that drive global impact.
At Cria Innovations, we specialize in forging connections that drive meaningful impact in science & technology ecosystems worldwide.
Our niche lies in navigating the complexities of cross-border collaboration, investment, and partnerships with academic spin-outs and tech startups. What sets us apart is our deep integrity, technical expertise, and cultural sensitivity—key ingredients for transforming daunting challenges into value-creating opportunities.
We bring together stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem.
Investors
Cria provides sharp insights and a global network to evaluate deals, identify partnerships, and unlock new market opportunities. With deep VC and board experience, we help investors build lasting success.
Entrepreneurs
Cria is a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs who seek guidance on product development, global collaborations, and company scaling. We help cut through the noise and find the best path forward.
Instituitions
Cria bridges academia and industry, helping universities and corporations turn research into real-world impact. With proven experience in hybrid venture models, we make collaboration seamless.
With proven experience in academic spin-outs and constructing hybrid university-affiliated venture capital funds, we make collaboration seamless.
About the Founder
Laura Smoliar, Ph.D., founder of Cria Innovations, combines decades of expertise in science, technology, and global partnerships. As a founding partner of Berkeley Catalyst Fund, she supported UC Berkeley's College of Chemistry and managed 26 diverse startups. She also co-founded Mobius Photonics, forging key partnerships with Japanese corporations and steering the company through challenging economic times to success.
