Innovation Acceleration
Cornell's Innovation Acceleration grant funds proof-of-concept research to advance early-stage inventions toward commercialization and industry partnerships.
Funder: Cornell University
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Innovation Acceleration application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 per project; 12–16 projects awarded annually; one-year project duration typical.
Summary: Provides gap funding to advance Cornell early-stage inventions toward commercialization via proof-of-concept projects.
Key Information: For Cornell-affiliated inventions disclosed to CTL; only one application per PI/lab per cycle.
Description
The Innovation Acceleration grant is part of Cornell University's Ignite: Research Lab to Market series, managed by the Center for Technology Licensing (CTL). This program provides targeted gap funding to help move early-stage Cornell inventions closer to market readiness, supporting proof-of-concept projects that increase the likelihood of licensing, startup formation, and industry collaboration. The program is designed to reduce commercialization risk, reach key development milestones, and attract further investment or partnership opportunities.
