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Funding Opportunities

Funding Programs

A selection of funding programs geared towards translational research are highlighted below, additional funding opportunities can be found on the Office of Sponsored Programs website.

 

TRANSFORM Seed Grants

As part of the TRANSFORM project awarded to Boise State through the NSF Accelerating Research Translation program. Four faculty research projects will be selected this year – two for up to $50,000, and two for up to $150,000.00 – in direct funding for TR along two tracks.

Track One

Our market-oriented track will support faculty-led research projects that are oriented toward commercialization and traditional technology transfer work that identify innovations in the laboratory and move them efficiently to the marketplace (e.g. problem identification, innovation, intellectual property protection, industry collaboration, and translation through licensing or startups).

Track Two

Our community-engaged track addresses innovations in human systems, healthy ecosystems, public policymaking, and democratic governance. Faculty-led projects will partner with external organizations to better equip federal, state, local, tribal governments as well as NGOs, nonprofits and community organizations with the tools and networks to manage and respond to socio-economic and governance challenges.

For additional information, including the RFP for each track, visit Translational Research: Funding Opportunities.

 

Boise State NSF I-Corps

  • NSF I-Corps is a 4-week training program for researchers, staff, and students to explore the commercial potential of their technology or service.
  • Participants increase commercial success through assumption testing and customer discovery and establish a product-market fit.
  • Qualify for a $50,000 NSF grant.
  • For more information, cohort dates, and registration, visit Venture College: NSF I-Corps.

 

Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission Initiative Higher Education Research Council (IGEM-HERC)

IGEM-HERC goals are to: a) leverage the talents and expertise of Idaho’s research-active faculty and staff and the private sector to further the economic vitality of Idaho; and, b) create a platform to facilitate and accelerate the transfer of technology from Idaho’s state research institutions and into the private sector. In short, the IGEM-HERC invests in good ideas that promote economic development.

For more details and information, please view the past year’s RFP available at the IGEM-HERC website.

Proposal Tracks

  1. The Proof of Concept track is a high risk, proof of concept opportunity. Estimated length of project = 1 year. Estimated awards = 3-5. Total funds available for all awards in Track 1 = $400,00.
  2. The Initial Startup track is ideal for seed projects where a concept has been proven and developmental milestones are achievable. Estimated length of project = 1-2 years. Estimated awards = 2-4. Total funds available for all awards in Track 2 = $600,000.
  3. The Innovation track proposals are reviewed and funded by milestones, or stages, rather than as an all or nothing research project. Innovation awards are scaled as successive milestones are achieved. Estimated length of project = 2-3 years. Estimated awards = 2-5. Total funds available for all awards in Track 3 = $1,100,000.

Process and Requirements:

  • Pre-proposals must be approved by DRED. For approval, PIs must first submit a must first submit a rough draft of the required pre-proposal to preaward@boisestate.edu. The pre-proposal must be submitted using Form A: Pre-Proposal Template found in the RFP linked above.
  • Pre-proposals will be advanced to full proposal as voted by the IGEM-HERC membership.

Tentative FY26 Submission Dates:

  • October 2024 – Pre-proposal due to IGEM-HERC
  • March 2025 – Full proposal due to IGEM-HERC

 

America’s Seed Fund

Looking to advance your research and bring it to the marketplace?

America’s Seed Fund provides non-dilutive funding to help startups and small businesses develop technology and move toward commercialization. This program has a strong track record of helping university research projects become real-world applications by fostering partnerships with small businesses. America’s Seed Fund is a key component of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program.

The Office of Technology Transfer encourages all Boise State researchers—faculty, graduate students, and staff—to connect with us. We can help you explore external partnerships and apply for these valuable funding opportunities through America’s Seed Fund. Contact us at techtransfer@boisestate.edu.

 

Proof of Concept Gap Funding

OTT is offering proof-of-concept grants of up to $20,000 to support the development and initial testing of promising innovations and technologies. The goal of the program is to bridge the funding gap in early-stage innovation and facilitate licensing and commercialization. These awards will support increasing the readiness level of new university-owned intellectual property (IP). Innovations must be disclosed to the OTT via the invention disclosure process. Priority will be given to innovations demonstrating high commercial impact, as evidenced by:

  • Clear market need
  • Competitive advantages over existing solutions
  • Defined licensing/commercialization endpoints
  • Market size and accessibility
  • Patentability/protectability
  • Creator’s ability to collaborate and secure further funding

Applications for FY25 are now closed.