University Early Stage Proof of Concept Fund – ADVANCE
Forecasted
University Early Stage Proof of Concept Fund – ADVANCE supports Michigan faculty inventors with proof-of-concept and market validation work to move university technologies toward licensing or startup formation.
Funder: Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Spring/Summer submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Standard project budget up to $55,000, including 1:1 university match; temporary 2026 maximum allowable budget of $25,000
Summary: ADVANCE supports early-stage Michigan university technologies through proof of concept and market validation toward licensing or startup formation.
Key Information: Technologies must have a filed invention disclosure and identified commercial application; optioned or licensed technologies are ineligible.
Description
The University Early Stage Proof of Concept Fund—also known as the Advance Innovation Hub—is sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and managed by the Michigan State University Innovation Center on behalf of Michigan’s public universities. It encourages faculty inventors to work with their Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), building a pipeline of de-risked technologies and fundable startup opportunities.
ADVANCE supports technologies at technology readiness levels (TRL) 1–4. Projects identify actionable market applications, assess viable business models, and confirm proof of concept for targeted applications through customer discovery. Supported activities include prototyping, market studies, consulting, animal studies, detailed intellectual property analysis, and customer discovery. The goal is to achieve early technical or business milestones that improve licensing potential, support startup formation, and prepare technologies for follow-on translational or venture funding.
