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UR Ventures
Office of the Vice President for Research

Startup Grant Support

The University of Rochester, in partnership with InteliSpark, offers Startup Grant Support to University researchers who are collaborating with University startups. This service provides expert grant writing and consulting assistance to help develop and submit competitive proposals for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding.

Ready to apply?

Eligibility

University of Rochester researchers can apply for grant writing support to develop an SBIR/STTR proposal with a University startup.

  • University startups are small businesses created to commercialize licensed University of Rochester intellectual property.
  • Startups able to provide matching funds will be given strong preference.
  • Startups will be responsible for a 3.5% fixed incentive fee provided to InteliSpark on successful awards.

Support services

  • Expert Grant Writing Support: Tailored guidance for crafting your proposal, from outlining research objectives to ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
  • Consulting Assistance: Access to a seasoned consultant who understand the intricacies of SBIR/STTR funding, including help with budget preparation, market analysis, and proposal editing.

How to apply

  1. Review: Watch the SBIR/STTR Seminar Video and review the University guidance on SBIR/STTR proposals to understand the process.
  2. Contact Us: Reach out to the Office of Research and Project Administration and UR Ventures to ensure your project is in compliance with University research policies and intellectual property considerations.
  3. Submit Your Application: Complete the application process through the application form below, providing the necessary details about your research and startup.

Proposals will be considered on a rolling basis. If you have questions, contact Curtis Broadbent at curtis.broadbent@rochester.edu

Application form

University of Rochester Principal Investigator(Required)
Is the small business a startup based on University of Rochester intellectual property?(Required)
Does the small business have a license to the University of Rochester intellectual property?(Required)
(e.g., Jane Smith, CTO)
(e.g., founder, collaborator, CTO, advisory board, no relationship, etc.)
Have you consulted with the University (e.g., ORPA) to consider any potential conflict of interest or conflict of commitment?(Required)
What type of grant proposal will be submitted?(Required)
Is there an existing agreement between the University and the small business?(Required)
What type of grant proposal will be submitted?(Required)
Is this a resubmission of a prior SBIR or STTR proposal?(Required)
Please provide the following information: 1) a brief abstract of the technology, and 2) the potential commercial applications.
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 20 MB.
    Will the small business applicant provide some level of matching funds?(Required)
    Are you applying for additional grant writing support through another mechanism?(Required)
    Was the underlying technology supported by research grants and/or contracts at the University?(Required)
    Has an invention disclosure been submitted to UR Ventures for this technology?(Required)
    Are there scientific publications supporting the technology?(Required)
    Are there any existing joint scientific publications between the University of Rochester researcher and the small business?(Required)
    (Source of Funding, $ Amount, OR N/A)
    Have you participated in any of the following entrepreneurship programs or classes?(Required)
    (Please select all that apply.)
    Enter "N/A" if the small business is not affiliated with an incubator/accelerator.
    Have you reviewed the University's guidance on SBIR/STTR proposals and contacted the Office of Research and Project Administration and UR Ventures to address any research administration, compliance and intellectual property considerations?(Required)
    Have you completed the InteliSpark SBIR/STTR Seminar Video?(Required)