Research Grants - NCInnovation
Research Grants - NCInnovation support North Carolina applied researchers in advancing proven technologies toward licensing or startup formation, with a focus on commercialization and regional economic impact.
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Funder: NCInnovation
Due Dates: May 13, 2026 (FY27 Cycle 1 pre-application) | October 14, 2026 (FY27 Cycle 2 pre-application)
Funding Amounts: Most awards anticipated at $200,000–$1 million over two years; no set minimum or maximum
Summary: Supports North Carolina university applied research that advances proven concepts toward commercial viability and economic impact.
Key Information: Companies formed to commercialize funded IP must maintain a North Carolina physical presence for at least five years.
Description
NCInnovation (NCI) provides research grants and commercialization support to help North Carolina researchers move breakthroughs from the laboratory to the market. The program focuses on the middle phase of research and development, after proof of concept but before a technology is mature enough to attract private investment. Its emphasis is Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 3–6, where researchers test and improve technologies for increasingly realistic settings.
The goal is to advance technologies to a point where intellectual property can be licensed or a startup formed. Alongside funding, NCI offers business development and other support services, coordinating universities and the private sector. The program accepts applications across all technology sectors and prioritizes commercialization potential and economic impact in North Carolina, supporting economic opportunity across the state’s regions.
