“Having the faculty involved in the commercialization of new discoveries is important to fulfilling the research mission of the College of Medicine. By translating research breakthroughs into commercial products, we increase treatment options and improve clinical care.”Dr. David Stern, Executive Dean, UT College of Medicine
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF)’s Maturation Grant Funding program helps UT researchers further develop technologies that have potential for commercial success. Up to $15,000 in direct costs will be awarded to the highest ranking proposals.
2017 UTRF Maturation Grant Funding Program – Open for Submissions
- Open to all UT researchers, faculty, staff and students at all campuses and institutes.
- Projects must be related to an existing UT invention disclosure, or a proposal can be associated with a newly submitted UT invention disclosure. Submit a new disclosure..
- All proposals should be designed to increase the commercial readiness of an idea or technology. A proposal should clearly describe how the expected results will increase the commercial opportunities for the technology.
- Proposals that only generate basic research results will not be funded.
- Identification of potential commercial partners for collaboration on this proposal is encouraged.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should contain these components:- The technology and its existing data
- Plan of work
- Expected results
- Budget Funds should be directed to labor, materials, and services necessary to achieve the proposed deliverable(s). Indirect costs are not allowed. Funds may not be used for PI salary, but may be used for student, post doc, or technical staff salary support, or be directed to equipment, supplies, or other reasonable expenses.
- Assessment of how the expected results will increase the commercial opportunities for the technology.
- Proposals should not exceed 3 pages, excluding references, which may be included as a 1-page appendix.
- Proposals must be received by your campus research office (through CayuseSP/Evisions.
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:- Clear path for commercial development
- Significant market potential
- Stage of development and remaining time to marketPast Winners
View/Download PDF: Important Dates
- UTRF, UT Health Science Center Office (located in Memphis)
- UTRF, Multi Campus Office (located in Knoxville)