Innovation Acceleration
Internal — Cornell University only
Innovation Acceleration supports Cornell research labs in validating inventions and developing initial proof of concept to advance technologies toward licensing, startups, or industry partnerships.
Funder: Cornell University
Due Dates: September 7, 2026 (Applications open) | November 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET (Application deadline) | December 10, 2026 (Recorded presentation) | January 8, 2027 (Committee Q&A, tentative)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 per research lab for a 12-month project; 12–16 projects funded annually
Summary: Supports Cornell research labs in validating inventions and developing initial proof of concept toward licensing, startups, or industry partnerships.
Key Information: Technologies must be disclosed to CTL before applying; one application per eligible PI or faculty research lab per cycle.
Description
Innovation Acceleration is a grant program managed by Cornell’s Center for Technology Licensing (CTL) within Ignite: Cornell Research Lab to Market. It funds research-lab projects that validate Cornell inventions or develop an initial proof of concept, helping reduce commercialization risk for technologies with strong commercial potential that are still too early for licensing or investment.
The program aims to advance inventions toward licensing, startup formation, or industry partnerships. Supported projects should produce clear results that justify further development and encourage engagement from investors and corporate partners. Innovation Acceleration is one of Ignite’s three signature programs; the broader series is supported by Cornell Research & Innovation, the Provost’s office, and a donation from Peggy J. Koenig ’78.
