Nevada Knowledge Fund
Forecasted
The Nevada Knowledge Fund supports the commercialization of scientific research from Nevada’s major research institutions to drive innovation and economic growth in key technology sectors.
Funder: Nevada Knowledge Fund
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (annual statutory report, projected)
Funding Amounts: Tens of millions invested since 2014; typical project awards range from several hundred thousand to several million dollars, with multi-year durations.
Summary: Supports the commercialization of research from Nevada’s universities and institutes to accelerate innovation, job creation, and economic diversification in key sectors.
Key Information: Funding is available only to Nevada’s three research institutions (UNR, UNLV, DRI) and their faculty; prospective applicants must coordinate through their university’s research office.
Description
The Nevada Knowledge Fund, administered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), is Nevada’s primary vehicle for building an innovation-driven economy. It provides competitive grants to support the translation of scientific research and development at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and the Desert Research Institute (DRI) into commercial opportunities and high-growth businesses. The Fund targets sectors identified for economic advancement, such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, water technology, biotechnology, and autonomous systems.
Since its inception in 2014, the Knowledge Fund has catalyzed the creation of new companies, attracted venture capital, generated high-paying jobs, and enabled Nevada to secure major federal awards (including NSF Engines and EDA Tech Hub designations). The Fund supports a range of activities, including technology outreach, research team recruitment, laboratory and facility development, matching funds for federal/private grants, and commercialization fellowships.
