Application deadline: Friday, October 13, 2023, 5:00 pm ET
Download the Innovation Fund Narrative Outline
Download the Innovation Fund Contract Template
Download the Innovation Fund Budget Template
See application below.
Synopsis
SyracuseCoE invites proposals for projects up to $10,000 from current and new members of the SyracuseCoE Partner Program. The Innovation Fund is funded by members of the Partner Program to support projects that help companies overcome barriers to commercialization of potentially transformative innovations, often working in partnership with SyracuseCoE-affiliated faculty and students. Projects must address a challenge within SyracuseCoE’s core focus areas. Proposals that include research engagements with affiliated faculty and students may receive prioritization in the review process.
Information about faculty expertise may be explored at SyracuseCoE’s Researchers web page or the Experts@SU web site. In addition to Syracuse University, collaborations may be proposed with faculty at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), SUNY Oswego or Upstate Medical University.
See selection of previously awarded Innovation Fund projects.
Award Information
- Type of Award: Fixed cost agreement – milestone-based
- Anticipated Number of Awards: Up to 6 awards
- Maximum Award: $10,000
- Project Duration: Nine months from execution of contract
Eligibility Information
Eligibility for awards is extended to current and new members of the SyracuseCoE Partner Program. Collaborations with academic researchers from Partner institutions are strongly encouraged, and proposals must be submitted and led by SyracuseCoE Partner firms.
Proposals may be accepted from new Partners…visit the Partner webpage or contact tlrosani@syr.edu to learn more about joining the program.
Applicants with an overdue Innovation Fund contract may not apply, and applicants will not be eligible to receive more than 3 consecutive awards. Accepted Innovation Fund projects must be under contract within four months of award notification or they may be required to reapply in future rounds.
Budget, Payment, and Match Requirements
Applicants must include a budget signed by an authorized company official, a template for which may be found at the top of this page. Matching funds are encouraged as either cash or in-kind and may include funding from federal, state, and foundation sources. Awards administered by SyracuseCoE may not be used as match. Applications must include a budget that clearly defines uses of funds, as well as verifiable sources of match, if included. Proposals must also include milestones for payment of requested funds.
Application Information and Timeline
All applications must include a narrative and signed milestone budget, and they may be submitted online via the online application at the bottom of this page.
Deadline: Friday, October 13, 2023, 5:00 pm ET
Proposals will be reviewed based on the following selection criteria:
- Impact in SyracuseCoE areas of focus
- Technical merit, based on sound engineering and/or scientific principles
- Extent to which the proposed technology or process is innovative and has the potential to advance the state-of-the-art
- Proposed engagement of SyracuseCoE-affiliated faculty and/or students, when applicable
- Extent to which proposal moves technology toward commercialization
- Expected economic outcomes, such as potential revenue, jobs created/retained, etc.
- Justified and reasonable budget plan, including strength of proposed match
- Qualifications and strength of project team
After an initial review by staff, selected applicants may be invited to participate in a proposal pitch to a panel of judges, which may include members of the SyracuseCoE Industry Partners Council, SyracuseCoE staff, regional economic development professionals and others. Funding decisions may be expected shortly thereafter.
In all cases, the review process will be conducted under the oversight of SyracuseCoE’s executive director, with staff support.
Invoicing
Invoices will be submitted upon completion of pre-approved milestones. A progress report must accompany each invoice, and a final report is required with a final invoice.
Reporting Requirements
Progress reports to be submitted with invoices will be reviewed and approved by SyracuseCoE staff prior to payment. Award recipients will be surveyed at least annually by SyracuseCoE staff for information on outcomes related to the project, including jobs created and/retained, increased sales, patent and license information, etc.
APPLICATION HERE
Contact
Tamara L. Rosanio
Associate Director l Partner Programs, SyracuseCoE
tlrosani@syr.edu