Simply advising startup companies doesn’t create a conflict. However, conflicts can arise if, for example: (a) you or the startup conduct commercial work in your lab, or (b) you are compensated by the startup and advise the startup more than the allowable number of days.
Here’s are good resources regarding conflicts of interests:
- Conflict of Interest guidance from the UC Berkeley Office of Ethics, Risk, and Compliance
- Frequently Asked Questions about Conflict of Interest at UC Berkeley
Note that UC Berkeley has a program administered by IPIRA that enables startups affiliated with the university’s accelerators to conduct new product R&D in faculty labs – under certain conditions. Learn about the Berkeley RIC Faculty Lab eXceptional-use for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (FLEXIE) program at https://ipira.berkeley.edu/entrepreneurs/berkeley-ric-flexie-program