Startup Projects
Cornell's Ignite Startup Projects program funds early-stage university-affiliated startups to reach proof-of-concept milestones and accelerate lab-to-market technology commercialization.
Funder: Cornell University
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 per project via SAFE note; 7–10 projects funded annually; 12-month project duration
Summary: Provides very early-stage Cornell-affiliated startups with project funding (via non-negotiable SAFE notes) to achieve proof-of-concept and enhance follow-on investment potential.
Key Information: Applicants must be pre-Series A startups with Cornell innovation licenses or incubator affiliation; only “Inc.” structures eligible.
Description
The Startup Projects program is a signature offering within the Ignite: Cornell Research Lab to Market series, managed by the Center for Technology Licensing (CTL) at Cornell University. This initiative supports very early-stage startups associated with Cornell innovations by providing project funding through non-negotiable SAFE notes. The primary goal is to help these startups reach key proof-of-concept milestones, increasing their attractiveness for critical follow-on financing from investors and other sources. The program is part of Cornell’s broader effort to accelerate technology commercialization, venture creation, and societal impact through its innovation ecosystem.
