Technology Development Fund (TDF) Call for Pre-Proposal Applications – Summer 2024

There is no limitation on the invention’s field in order to apply for a TDF Award. Proposals are judged on their ability to help bring the underlying technology to a licensable state of development with strong potential for financial return.

There are two funding cycles each year, one in the spring/summer and one in the fall/winter.

Pre-proposals are due on the announced deadline via the pre-proposal application form.

Awards will typically be in the range of $40,000 to $100,000, with the objective to reach a significant development milestone within a year’s time.

If any related agreement involves language that gives the non-government sponsor a first look, an option to a license, or if a license already exists, then you are NOT eligible.

Since the full proposal must include a short market assessment to ensure the technology addresses (i) a significant market opportunity, (ii) an unmet market need, and (iii) the competitive environment, the applicant is encouraged to contact the URVentures licensing manager assigned to the invention disclosure case. If the project is awarded funding, a group of mentors will be selected by UR Ventures to serve as a project advisory group during the TDF project.

Though not required this round, your application will be greatly enhanced by providing at least one letter of support from an outside party indicating commercial interest/value of technology being developed (this will become mandatory in future TDF funding rounds).

Within one month of submitting a pre-proposal application, a select number of applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal application. Approximately 4 – 6 weeks after full proposals have been submitted, the applicants will be invited to present in front of the TDF Executive Committee.

Yes, all proposals not chosen for further evaluation or funding will be returned with not only the reason why, but also with recommendations on what might be required for future consideration.

Time and Effort: The applicant is responsible for the plan and will commit his/her time and effort, as appropriate, to lead and oversee the project. Applicant is highly encouraged to participate in the NSF I-Corps program at UR if their TDF project is awarded (this will become mandatory for TDF funded projects in future funding rounds). More information about the NSF I-Corps Regional Course can be found here. Please contact Prof James Zavislan  for more details.

Project Plan: Any significant mid-course revisions to the research plan must be submitted to the fund manager and will require approval by the Screening Committee.

Reporting: The project leader must be prepared to meet regularly with UR Ventures and the project advisory group to provide progress updates if awarded TDF funding.

Funds are released in tranches upon successful completion of milestones.

The achievement of agreed upon milestones will serve as key decision points for the assessment of progress and the determination of continued funding. A project may be terminated if key milestones are not met.

Only one application per funding cycle can be submitted by each inventor.

Funding can be used to support technical and staff salaries, supplies, small equipment (less than $5,000). Funding can also be used for outsourcing/fee-for-service activities.

The TDF is not designed/intended to fund basic research. Funding is not intended to be used for gap funding salaries for other ongoing projects. Funding cannot be used for faculty members’ salaries or overhead.

The awards are intended to provide funding that de-risks critical activities to enable technology transfer to industry or the formation of a start-up.

Outcomes may include:

• Demonstrating proof of concept- Develop prototype, feasibility testing, pilot studies, tech demos
• De-risking manufacturability- process scale-up, cost analysis
• Generating data to support IND-filing- pharmacology, toxicology, CMC, ADME
• Regulatory submissions, e.g. obtaining CLIA certification
• Formation of startup
• Generation of results leading to technology licensing

Indirect outcomes may include:

• Recruitment of key advisors/employees
• Follow-on funding obtained- grant, investment, sponsored research, award, etc.
• Generation of additional follow-on IP disclosure
• Strengthening or broadening patent claims that advance commercialization (mitigate risk, increase value, etc.)
• For digital health technologies including ML/AI algorithms:
  • generating high quality data that can be used to improve the original model and/or can be licensed on its own
  • integrating into clinical workflow e.g. EHR
  • developing application