Grant Writing

Commercialization Grant Workshop for Fall 2024

Commercialization grants are often quite different than basic science research grants as they require a sound business model, external team members, and proof of concept that will lead to licensing or a new business start. To assist faculty in navigating these opportunities, the Office of Licensing and Commercialization is offering two commercialization grant workshops. Each grant workshop will have three sessions and will focus on building a detailed business presentation that can be used when applying for commercialization funding. Workshops will be virtual and run from 3-5 pm on the dates listed below:

Workshop 1

Aug. 6th – Elements of Research in Commercialization

Aug. 13th – Building a Business Model of Success

Aug. 27th – Pitch Presentation and Mentoring Session

Workshop 2

Sept. 5th – Elements of Research in Commercialization

Sept. 19th – Building a Business Model of Success

Oct. 3rd – Pitch Presentation and Mentoring Session

Catalyst Program – Rapid Advancement of Early-Stage Discoveries

The Office of Licensing and Commercialization’s Catalyst Program provides support for ECU faculty to apply for early stage commercialization grants, to compete in pitch competitions, and to start companies. Support for principal investigators comes in various forms including grant review, grant writing, external expert assessment of the discovery, introduction to investor and business development networks, team building, startup guidance, and travel awards to commercialization workshops. Faculty that have participated in the program are 7x more likely to receive funding from a sponsor than those that did not go through the program. To date, more than 15 faculty have participated in the program and over $1.1 million in non-dilutive commercialization grant funding has been awarded. Further, faculty that have participated in the program with the goal of starting a company have gone on to receive STTR grants, participated in national pitch competitions, and have received early stage investments.

The program requires submission of a brief application and a kick-off meeting with L&C staff to generate a strategic plan to achieve technical and commercialization objectives. For grant support, L&C requires a minimum of 60 days prior to the submission date. Depending on the support requested, the faculty member may be required to meet with L&C periodically (weekly or bi-monthly). Support is limited and provided on a first-come-first-serve basis, so it is encouraged that applications be submitted early.

Submit an Application

Collage of science photos