UC San Diego Celebrates Naming of Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering, Honoring Transformative Gift from CorDx Founder
The University of California San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering recently marked a landmark moment in its history with the official naming of the Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering. This prestigious honor recognizes the extraordinary philanthropy of Aiiso Yufeng Li (Jeff), his wife Doreen Guo, and their broader CorDx family, whose generosity has positioned the department for new levels of academic excellence and innovation.
The celebration, held at the UC San Diego campus, brought together university leadership, faculty, students, and distinguished guests to acknowledge a milestone that goes far beyond a new department name. It underscores a deep and ongoing investment in education, research, and entrepreneurial impact that will benefit generations of engineers and scientists.
A Legacy of Giving and Visionary Support
Aiiso Yufeng Li (Jeff), the founder of CorDx—a fast-growing biotechnology company specializing in rapid diagnostics—has long been an advocate for innovation and progress in science and technology. In 2024, he significantly deepened his support for UC San Diego with a $21 million gift to the Jacobs School of Engineering, one of the largest single donations the school has ever received. The university credits this pivotal act of philanthropy as instrumental in the decision to name the department in his honor.
“UC San Diego has always stood for innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” said Li at the naming ceremony. “In business, we often talk about growth and breakthroughs, but real progress comes from investing in the next generation. That’s why I chose to support UCSD’s Chemical and Nano Engineering program—to help shape the future of innovation by empowering the minds that will drive it forward.”
In addition to the $21 million donation, Li has contributed several million more in support of UC San Diego’s strategic initiatives, helping the university accelerate its progress on multiple fronts. These additional funds are directed toward programs such as the Sustainable Power and Energy Center (SPEC), which focuses on advancing energy storage and grid technologies; the Institute for the Global Entrepreneur (IGE), which trains engineers and computer scientists to become impactful startup founders; and the Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering, which received critical support even prior to its renaming.
Enabling Innovation at the Intersection of Chemistry, Nanotechnology, and Engineering
The newly named department sits at the core of UC San Diego’s innovation engine, working at the cutting edge of chemical engineering and nanotechnology. Researchers and students within the department explore everything from advanced materials and bioengineering to energy solutions and next-generation manufacturing.
The renaming of the department reflects not only Aiiso Yufeng Li’s generous support, but also his alignment with the department’s mission: leveraging chemistry and nanoscale engineering to solve real-world problems and empower industries of the future.
“Jeff Li’s vision and values resonate deeply with our goals at the Jacobs School of Engineering,” said Albert P. Pisano, Dean of the school. “This gift and the department’s renaming are more than symbolic—they are catalytic. They allow us to expand research, recruit world-class faculty, develop new curriculum, and support students who will lead the next wave of scientific and technological breakthroughs.”
The Entrepreneur Behind CorDx
Li’s investment in UC San Diego is a natural extension of his work at CorDx, the biotechnology company he founded and currently leads. Since its establishment in 2006, CorDx has been a global force in the diagnostics space, designing and producing point-of-care (POC) and over-the-counter (OTC) rapid diagnostic tests that span a wide range of categories.
CorDx’s diagnostic portfolio includes tests for infectious diseases, reproductive and sexual health, substance use, and other biomarker-based health assessments. The company’s vertically integrated model—owning and managing every stage of its supply chain from R&D to production—sets it apart from many competitors in the field. This approach ensures tighter quality control, faster innovation cycles, and more accessible pricing for both healthcare providers and consumers.
With nearly two decades of innovation under its belt and over 1,000 diagnostic products developed, CorDx has built a global manufacturing and distribution network, with locations in the United States, Asia, and other key markets. The company is committed to ensuring that rapid, reliable diagnostic tools are within reach for communities around the world, especially those where healthcare access is limited.
Values in Action: People, Purpose, and Partnership
One of the cornerstones of CorDx’s mission is its emphasis on people. The company is made up of dedicated professionals who are driven not only by innovation, but by a strong sense of purpose and compassion. That same spirit is reflected in Aiiso Yufeng Li’s personal philosophy and his decision to give back to the university community.
“At CorDx, we don’t just see our work as product development—we see it as people development,” said Li. “Whether it’s helping a patient get a fast diagnosis or supporting a student to become a world-class researcher, the goal is the same: to make a meaningful difference.”
The company’s support of UC San Diego echoes this commitment. By funding educational programs, research centers, and entrepreneurial initiatives, CorDx and its leadership are helping the university amplify its global impact. This partnership exemplifies how philanthropy and industry can work together to accelerate progress, from the classroom to the clinic.
A Department Poised for the Future
The Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering is now uniquely positioned to grow its research capabilities and student support. With the backing of CorDx and the leadership of the Jacobs School of Engineering, the department aims to attract top-tier faculty, expand research facilities, and create more opportunities for experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Students will benefit from scholarships, mentorship, and hands-on project support, while researchers will have access to the resources needed to explore breakthroughs in energy storage, clean technology, biomedical applications, and materials science.
“Engineering is about solving problems that matter,” said Dean Pisano. “Thanks to the Li family’s extraordinary generosity, we’re better equipped than ever to prepare our students for the challenges—and opportunities—of the 21st century.”
About CorDx
CorDx is a leading biotechnology firm that develops and manufactures in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products for both professional and consumer use. Serving medical supply distributors, healthcare providers, and direct consumers, CorDx’s mission is to create high-quality, affordable diagnostic tools that improve lives and support better healthcare outcomes.
What sets CorDx apart is its fully owned supply chain, which eliminates reliance on third-party vendors for subcomponents. This not only ensures better quality and consistency but also enables the company to scale efficiently and deliver rapid diagnostic solutions to global markets.
With nearly 20 years of experience, global manufacturing capabilities, and a proven track record of innovation, CorDx continues to lead the way in diagnostic technology—one test, one patient, and one breakthrough at a time.
