Questions? Reach out to Justin Streuli.
The UNCW Office of Innovation & Commercialization’s “Translational Research Grants” are specifically aimed to stimulate commercially-focused research and creative activity that result in societal impact and practical application.
Broad examples of projects faculty may propose could:
- Advance research reducing to practice or developing technology with commercial potential.
- Activities to further the technology readiness level of an existing innovation.
- Projects developing a proof of concept that could result intellectual property such as patents, copyrights or tangible property.
- Expanding existing UNCW resources to new markets, customer segments, or partners.
OIC hopes that projects will result in invention disclosures, innovations, technology, scholarship, or other outcomes that have practical application off-campus through licensing, external partnership, or another pathway.
Grants Offered
Two different grants will be offered this spring:
- OIC New Invention Grant– Awarded to support faculty projects focused on transforming fundamental research or early-stage innovations into commercially viable products and services or even a new business. Awards $5,000 - $15,000.
- MARBIONC Blue Economy Grant- Awarded to support faculty research and innovation resulting in societal impact and practical application tied to the Blue Economy. Awards $5,000 - $15,000.
Innovation Research Grants not only award funding, but also include other benefits like entrepreneurial training, consulting and other benefits to help researchers amplify outcomes.
Grants are open to all full-time EHRA faculty are eligible to serve as lead principal investigators (PIs) on externally sponsored projects.
Additional information on these two grants can be found below.
Description
- OIC New Invention Grant - Awarded to support faculty projects focused on transforming fundamental research or early-stage innovations into commercially viable products and services or even a new business. An invention disclosure for the innovation must be on file with the OIC prior to the proposal submission deadline. Awards up to $10,000.
- MARBIONC Blue Economy Grant - Awarded to support faculty projects bridging the gap between marine science and innovation resulting in societal impact and practical application. An invention disclosure for the innovation must be on file with the OIC prior to the proposal submission deadline.
- Both grants includes an OIC customer discovery training session, SPARC gant strategy consultation, regular one-on-one meetings, optional CIE mentorship, and more.
Eligibility
- All full-time EHRA Faculty are eligible to serve as Lead Principal Investigators (PIs) on externally sponsored projects.
- Must have an Innovation Disclosure on file with OIC tied to the proposal.
- Innovation outlined in disclosure cannot already be licensed.
- Must be a qualified use of fund criteria.
Funding Amount
- 3-4 Awards for each grant
- Awards $5,000 to $15,000