Ignite Innovation Acceleration
Internal — Cornell University only
Ignite Innovation Acceleration supports Cornell research labs with proof-of-concept work that reduces technology risk and advances inventions toward licensing, startup formation, or industry partnerships.
This grant was recently updated
The application deadline has been extended from November 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET to November 9, 2026, at noon ET.
Funder: Cornell University
Due Dates: November 9, 2026, noon ET (Extended application deadline) | December 10, 2026 (Recorded presentation) | January 8, 2027 (Committee Q&A, tentative)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 for 12 months; selected Prime projects may receive up to $100,000 total
Summary: Grants help Cornell research labs advance disclosed inventions toward licensing, startup formation, or industry partnerships.
Key Information: Technologies must originate from Cornell’s Ithaca, Geneva, or Cornell Tech campuses and be disclosed to CTL before applying.
Description
Ignite Innovation Acceleration is a gap-funding program administered by Cornell University’s Center for Technology Licensing (CTL). One of three signature programs within Ignite Cornell Lab to Market, it supports proof-of-concept work that helps existing Cornell inventions reach their next commercialization milestone and attract industry partners, entrepreneurs, or investors.
Projects reduce technology risk through prototyping, beta-testing, data generation and analysis, and feasibility demonstrations. The goal is to create evidence supporting technology licensing, new venture creation, or corporate research collaboration. The program funds approximately 12–16 projects annually across spring and fall application cycles. Proposals targeting significant, specific milestones achievable within 12 months are preferred.
