Funding Opportunities and Support
The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation partners with University faculty on a variety of different funding opportunities, from Co-PIs on research and training grants to supporting faculty spin-outs as they develop commercialization plans for SBIR/STTR proposals.
University Research Commercialization and Prototype Development Grants
NSF I-Corps National Program
This program is an immersive, entrepreneurial training program that facilitates the transformation of invention to impact.
NSF’s Partnership for Innovation (PFI) Programs
The program offers researchers a technology testbed to gain market insights, launch a commercial application or facilitate industry adoption. The program helps researchers translate basic research into technologies and spurs university spinoff companies.
NSF Innovations in Graduate Education Program
Supports potentially transformative approaches to graduate education with a focus on preparing students in research-based master’s and doctoral degree programs for a range of STEM careers.
NC Biotechnology Center
NCBiotech offers several funding programs that fill gaps in technology development and company growth. These funds help university researchers and companies conduct critical studies and reach significant development milestones to attract follow-on funding.
Startup Commercialization Funding
SBIR/STTR Programs
Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, America’s Seed Fund awards non-dilutive funding to develop your technology and chart a path toward commercialization. The federal government invests in your solution and gives you the freedom to run your business according to your vision.
One North Carolina Small Business Programs
Incentive Funds Program provides reimbursement to qualified NC businesses for a portion of the costs incurred in preparing and submitting a SBIR/STTR. The program also awards matching funds to NC businesses who have received a federal SBIR or STTR award.
NC IDEA Micro and Seed Grant Programs
NC IDEA MICRO awards small, project-based grants up to $10K to young companies looking to validate and advance their idea. NC IDEA SEED offers early stage companies the critical funding they need to scale faster (up to $50K).