Ignite Cornell Lab to Market
Ignite Cornell Lab to Market by Cornell University accelerates the commercialization of research innovations through funding and entrepreneurial support for researchers and startups.
Funder: Cornell University
Due Dates: April 27, 2026 (Ignite Innovation Acceleration) | May 8, 2026 (Innovation Acceleration presentation) | February 19, 2027 (Ignite Fellow for New Ventures)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 per Innovation Acceleration project; $120,000/year for Ignite Fellow for New Ventures; up to $75,000 per Startup Project; 12-16 Innovation Acceleration awards, 3-6 Fellow awards, and 7-10 Startup Projects annually.
Summary: Gap funding and entrepreneurial support to accelerate commercialization of Cornell innovations through three programs: Innovation Acceleration, Fellow for New Ventures, and Startup Projects.
Key Information: Multiple tracks with distinct eligibility and deadlines; open to Cornell-affiliated researchers and startups.
Description
Ignite Cornell Lab to Market is a gap funding initiative administered by the Center for Technology Licensing at Cornell University. The program accelerates the commercialization of innovative technologies and research discoveries by providing critical funding and entrepreneurial support to bridge the gap between academic research and market readiness. Ignite supports three main tracks: Innovation Acceleration (for advancing inventions toward licensing or startup formation), Fellow for New Ventures (funding and training entrepreneurial PhDs/Masters to launch technology startups), and Startup Projects (SAFE note funding for pre-Series A Cornell startups). The program aims to grow the Cornell innovation pipeline, foster venture creation, and provide career development for researchers and students.
