Other MTRAC Innovation Hubs and commercialization funding resources
The MTRAC Program was created in 2012 to accelerate the transfer of new technologies from Michigan’s institutions of higher learning into the commercial market by way of licenses or startups. In 2016 the program expanded as a statewide program to support translational research throughout the state of Michigan. The expansion reinforces the commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth by providing a pathway to accelerate the creation and transfer of new technologies into the commercial market.
Five Innovation Hubs across the state, in key technology areas, support projects from all institutions of higher education, hospital systems and nonprofit research centers. For more information on each Innovation Hub’s technology focus, eligibility and application process please visit the individual websites below:
In addition to the MTRAC Advanced Computing Technologies Innovation Hub hosted by Wayne State, researchers may also apply to other MTRAC Innovation Hubs in Michigan:
*WSU researchers interested in applying to any of the state-wide MTRAC Innovation Hubs must contact the WSU Technology Commercialization Office at least 2 weeks prior to submission deadlines in order to give TCO staff ample time to review the technology/proposal to be considered for matching institutional support. Please note that the various MTRAC Hubs operate on distinctive RFP/funding cycle timelines throughout the year.
Next MTRAC Life Science RFP deadline: October 12, 2023; Internal deadline: September 28, 2023
Next KickStart Early-Stage Biomedical RFP deadline: November 1, 2023; Internal deadline: October 18, 2023
Next MTRAC Advanced Transportation RFP deadline: February 29, 2024; Internal deadline: February 15, 2024
Next MTRAC Advanced Applied Materials RFP deadline: TBD 2024; Internal deadline: TBD 2024
Next MTRAC AgBio RFP deadline: November 17, 2023; Internal deadline: November 3, 2023
University Early Stage Proof of Concept Fund – ADVANCE
This university early stage proof of concept fund, administered by Michigan State University, is designed to provide a pipeline of de-risked technologies and fundable startup opportunities for further advancement. The program provides matching funds, a strong incentive for faculty with early stage technologies at Michigan universities to engage with their university’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and commercialization activities. Inventors, their technologies and TTOs will benefit through the achievement of critical early stage milestones such as proof-of-concept or market opportunity validation which will lead to follow-on commercialization activities.
For more information on the ADVANCE program, including eligibility requirements and application instructions, please visit: https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/tech-transfer-commercialization/programs-and-resources/advance-grant-proof-of-concept-fund/.
Please visit our Funding resources page for additional information on various external entrepreneurial funding and resources available throughout the ecosystem.