A.T. Charlie Johnson, SAS
Shu Yang, SEAS
Eric Detsi, SEAS
Discovering the Future Research Grant | Accelerating Lab to Market Pre-Seed Grant | University Research Foundation | |
Purpose | Blue-Sky, High Risk Research Grants | Pre-seed Grants | Supports faculty research, pilot projects, instrumentation, and conference support |
Eligibility | Penn Faculty | Penn Faculty | Penn Faculty |
Program Frequency | Annual (next cycle Spring 2023) | Annual (next cycle Spring 2023) | Annual (next cycle Fall 2023) |
Award Amount | up to $400,000/year | $10,000 to $50,000 but could be larger if justified (up to $200k) | Up to $75,000 |
Award Period | One to Two years | One to Two years | One year only |
Review Process | VPR selection based on Faculty Review Committee | VPR selection based on Commercialization Committee | VPR selection based on Faculty Review Committee |
Penn makes significant commitments to academic research as one of its core missions, including investment in faculty research programs. In some disciplines, the path by which discovery makes impact on society is through commercialization. Pre-seed grants are often the limiting step for new ideas to cross the “valley of death” between federal research funding and commercial success. The Accelerating from Lab to Market Grant aims to help to bridge this gap.
Accelerating from Lab to Market pre-seed grants can be awarded to Penn faculty for promising inventions disclosed to Penn Center for Innovation (PCI) and to Penn faculty with existing Penn spinout companies based on Penn-owned intellectual property. Please note that awards will be given to the Penn faculty member to be spent on research in Penn facilities.
Funding levels will be available from $10,000 to $50,000 but could be larger if justified (up to $200k). One goal of the seed program is to leverage this Penn investment with external partners through matching funds.
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
Funding may be used for, but not limited to, translational and proof-of-concept research, prototype development, support for pre-clinical development for drug candidates, field testing, market research and validation expenses, matching funds to SBIR/STTR awarded grants, and other types of technology development funding sources.
Applicant and Project Information: All fields and all certifications are required (complete online)
Abstract and Summary: 200-word limit, Complete online. Write in simple language a description of the proposed work. State the objectives. The description should explain the compelling reason for the proposal. Do not include your PI name or proposal title.
Proposal: Upload a single PDF document, maximum 3 pages. Include background, purpose, aims, methods used, work to be undertaken, and outlook for future (continued research and external funding). Please be mindful of the interdisciplinary backgrounds of the reviewers and make the proposals accessible to the readers. Include, where possible:
Bio Sketch/CV
Sponsored Support: Include: Current annual funding directly related to the proposed discovery, title, award amount, sponsor, grant period, pending applications (include notification of pending applications). Failure to provide an accurate description of other support available to the PI will disqualify this application.
Budget Form: NOTE: Do NOT use commas when answering budget questions.
Funding decisions will be made by the VPR based on recommendations of a Commercialization Committee consisting of representatives of OVPR, PCI, Entrepreneurs in Residence, and Faculty.
What is the submission period (opening & deadline)?
A new cycle for Accelerating from Lab to Market grant program is expected for April 2023.
Where can I submit my proposal?
Proposals can by submitted online at SM Apply using your PennKey or through the OVPR website at https://research.upenn.edu/funding/ and selecting Accelerating from Lab to Market.
What documents do I need to submit my proposal? (Should it include budgets?)
Applicant and Project Information
For a comprehensive list of requirements, please see https://research.upenn.edu/funding/lab-to-market/
Who is eligible?
Penn faculty are eligible to apply. Faculty may either use the funding in their lab to advance research toward commercialization or perform research for a spin-out company that they founded based on Penn-owned intellectual property. Please note that awards will be given to the Penn faculty member to be spent on research in Penn facilities.
Can I apply more than once?
Only one application per funding cycle is allowed
Is there a waiting period for reapplying?
Yes, applicants may reapply in the next funding cycle with clearly marked changes
Does the grant support salary/travel/undergraduates/post-docs/research associates/technicians/programmers?
PI Salary is not supported from this grant. Undergraduate students, post-docs, research associated, technicians, and programmers are supported
Who is on the review committee/panel?
The review committee comprises of faculty, PCI and OVPR staff, entrepreneurs in residence, and Penn faculty.
How long does it take to hear back? How long does the entire process take?
Depending on the number of applications, it can take from 4-10 weeks
Do I need to complete my research within the allotted period?
No, but a no cost extension is required
Do I need to return unused funds?
Yes, all unused funds must be returned
Does the Co-PI have to be at PENN?
No, but awards will only be made to the Penn faculty member listed on the application
Is there any letter of support needed?
No, letters of support are not required
When are funds distributed?
After assessing the review panel recommendations, the VPR will issue awards and funds will be distributed subsequently
Can the application process be shared by the PI and BA?
No, the application process cannot be shared. The entire application process should be completed by only one person
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