2010 Technology Maturation Funding Program
UTRF is once again happy to announce the maturation funding program to help UT researchers further develop technologies that have the potential for commercial success. Up to $15,000 (direct costs) will be awarded to the highest ranking proposals.
Eligibility:
- Open to all UT researchers (faculty, staff and students) at all campuses and institutes.
- Projects must be related to an existing UT invention/creation disclosure OR a proposal can be accompanied by a new UT invention/creation disclosure.
Rules:
- All proposals must be submitted through the appropriate campus or unit research administration office.
- Proposals should not exceed three (3) pages in length.
- Projects should provide new data or further demonstrate the technology to increase its commercial readiness.
- Funds should be directed to labor, materials and services necessary to achieve the proposed deliverable(s).
- The proposal should include the following sections:
- The Technology - description of what it does, background on how it has evolved and the current state of development.
- Commercial Potential - provide an assessment of its commercial potential, including markets and uses.
- Plan of Work - what activities you plan to do that are critical for further developing the technology for commercialization.
- Expected Results - what you expect to find as a result of planned activities.
- Schedule - this includes milestones and timing for project completion.
- Deliverables - what you plan to deliver to UTRF in exchange for funding.
- Budget - a detailed listing of the funds required and how they will be spent. Do not include facilities or overhead charges. This should only include direct expenses.
After proposals are processed through the appropriate campus or unit research administration office, they will be submitted electronically by the research office to UTRF (utrf@tennessee.edu). Verification of successful proposal submission will be by return e-mail to the PI and the submitting office. If you do not receive an e-mail verification by November 27, 2009, please send an email to utrf@tennessee.edu to request verification.
Judging Criteria:
A panel of technical and business experts from inside and outside of the university will rank-order projects based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated path for Commercial Development (45%):
- Potential commercial partners identified or readily identifiable
- Low barriers to market entry (simple regulatory process or few legal issues)
- Results will better position the technology for licensing or business start-up
- Technology has the potential to serve as a core for further business development
- Market Potential (40%):
- Provides a benefit to the public, especially under-served groups
- Market size (potential blockbuster vs. a niche product)
- Significant market impact or ability to create a new market
- Ability to compete against existing alternatives
- Ability to bring jobs/investment to the State of TN
- Stage of Development (15%):
- Previous work resulting in preliminary data that supports the technology
- Proposed work is feasible for the budget and timeframe
- Potential for other funding sources at this point is low
Receiving a maturation funding award in previous years doesn't guarantee that an award will be made this year. However, performance on previously awarded projects may be a supplemental factor when final selections are made. Past performance factors will include the success in delivering what was proposed and the quality of the resulting outcomes.
Deadlines and Schedule:
- Deadline for proposal submission November 20, 2009
- Awards announced December 18, 2009
- Project start date January 18, 2010
- Project completion date October 15, 2010
- Final report due November 19, 2010
For more information, contact:
UT Health Science Center: Dr. Richard Magid
(901) 448-1562
rmagid1@utmem.edu
All other locations: Joy Fisher
(865) 974-0520
jfishe26@utk.edu
