The UM Ventures, Baltimore Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) announces the availability of funds for translational R&D projects under the UM Ventures Seed Grant Program.

This resource is designed to help bridge the gap that traditional funding sources may not provide in order to overcome barriers in the technology commercialization pathway. The UM Ventures Seed Grant Program is an initiative to advance university innovations into commercially viable technologies. A modest budget may be requested for the purpose of conducting translational research and development. The funds must be used for tasks that enhance the commercial potential of a technology (e.g. prototype development, key proof-of-concept studies). Projects will be funded at a level deemed necessary to achieve the goals outlined in the proposal.

Eligibility:
All UMB inventors are welcome to participate. All inventions must have been disclosed and assigned to UMB OTT prior to submitting a funding proposal.

Application and Submission Instructions:
The application deadline is Friday March 11th, 2016 at 5:00pm. No exceptions. Please submit an electronic pdf copy to Ginger Dunn at [email protected]. Awardees will be notified of approved projects via email within one month. Funds will be transferred to the inventor’s chosen departmental budget.

Applications must include within 2 pages:
1. Brief abstract: summary of project and endpoint (2-3 sentences)
2. Inventor(s) name, school/department affiliation and an email address for correspondence
3. Title of technology disclosed to OTT
4. Technology Description
5. Market Need and Opportunity
6. Status of Development
7. Proposed use of the “seed funding” with a projected completion date
8. Budget and justification

Scope of funding, uses and restrictions:
Only one application per inventor is permissible. The period of the project should not exceed 12 months. Within 30 days of the completion date, the grant awardees must submit a one page report describing the project outcomes, next steps to commercialization and follow-on research plans. The final report should be submitted as a pdf document to [email protected]. The awardees may be asked to give a brief 15-minute presentation.

All applicants are encouraged to contact OTT staff for more information on the UM Ventures Seed Grant Program.

Criteria for Evaluation:
Projects will be funded based on potential impact on commercialization and scientific merit. Each proposal should demonstrate that the project is viable within the proposed time limit and the budget.