Collab Fertility Receives 2026 Innovation Award From the East Bay Economic Development Alliance
More good news from Collab Fertility. Founder and Medical Director Thalia Segal, MD, and her team have received a 2026 East Bay Innovation Award in the Life Sciences category from the East Bay Economic Development Alliance (EDA).
The East Bay EDA celebrates organizations across Alameda and Contra Costa counties that are advancing the region through innovation, leadership, and community impact. Since its founding in 2013, the program has highlighted companies and institutions that are helping to shape the future of the East Bay economy.
Collab Fertility was recognized among a diverse group of 41 innovators for its contributions to reproductive medicine and its commitment to patient-centered fertility care in the East Bay.
“I was delighted to be awarded, and humbled to be standing with such amazing people and businesses,” said Dr. Segal. “It was nice to be recognized for more than delivering patient care – to be recognized for our innovation in patient care was immensely rewarding. I was pleased to talk about the Collab Way, which focuses on getting healthy before IVF, and then staying healthy during treatments. We target lifestyle, clean living, and nutritional counseling to increase the chances of positive outcomes, and we’re the only fertility practice in the country that takes this comprehensive, proactive approach.”
Dr. Thalia Segal, founder and medical director of Collab Fertility, with the 2026 Innovation Award presented by the East Bay Economic Development Alliance.
Collab Fertility’s work spans clinical fertility treatment, laboratory innovation, nutrition and lifestyle support, and research into the environmental and biological factors that influence reproductive health.
By integrating medical expertise, a state-of-the-art IVF laboratory, and collaborative care across disciplines, Collab Fertility aims to improve outcomes while supporting patients through every stage of their family-building journey.
Dr. Thalia Segal (l) with a Collab patient and her baby son, a Collab cutie, at a recent celebration of Collab babies’ first birthdays. [Laurel Z Photography]
The 13th annual East Bay Innovation Awards were held on March 26, 2026, at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts in Oakland. The event recognized organizations across industries including life sciences, technology, manufacturing, and arts and culture. Awardees were selected with input from business, community, economic development, and municipal leaders from across the region, reflecting the East Bay’s vibrant ecosystem of innovation.
Dr. Thalia Segal, founder & medical director of Collab Fertility (r), and her Collab Team of fertility and reproductive experts and patient care staff. [Photo courtesy Collab Fertility]
“I was so impressed with the variety of businesses and nonprofits and the work they are doing in the East Bay. As a doctor, I don’t get exposed to that, outside my practice,” said Dr. Segal. “As a business owner, to have this opportunity to meet other business owners and see how much is being done by so many creative and visionary business leaders, I found it energizing. It’s nice to have that community.”
Read more about Collab Fertility and the Collab Way in the January 2024, May 2024, June 2024, June 2025 , and May 2026 issues of The Shadelands Scene.
