Technology Commercialization - Washington Research Foundation

Purpose

Researchers and entrepreneurs at Washington state institutions have the potential to conduct translational research that eventually leads to the creation of novel products and services that can improve health and advance technology. However, before technologies are ready for commercial investment, they often require further technical development, evaluation and de-risking within the research institution. WRF technology commercialization grants are intended to bridge part of this gap between discovery research and commercial investment in novel technologies. Our funding seeks to catalyze commercially viable, translational research at Washington state research institutions and accelerate the development of technology to benefit the public.

How Our Funding Works

WRF has adopted a phased approach to technology commercialization funding. Initial funding for projects is for up to $100,000. Select investigators who demonstrate success in completing milestones may be invited to apply for further funding in stages for up to $1 million.

Pre-proposal

Application Details

All eligible investigators are welcome to submit a pre-proposal
Pre-proposals will be accepted at any time on a rolling basis

Review Process & Timeline

Pre-proposals will be reviewed within three weeks of submission
Pre-proposals are reviewed by WRF staff

Possible Outcomes

Invitation to submit a Phase 1 proposal

Phase 1

Funding amount:
$10,000 – $100,0000
12-17 projects/year funded

Application Details

Upon successful review of the pre-proposal, applicants will be invited to submit a full application
Duration of award is flexible and determined by the needs of the project
Amount requested should be appropriate to the scope and aims of the project

Review Process & Timeline

Full proposals will be reviewed within 6 weeks of submission
Proposals are reviewed by WRF staff

Possible Outcomes

Validation of commercial potential
Licensing opportunity
IP generation
Opportunity for follow-on funding through WRF Phase 2 or other sources

Phase 2

Funding amount:
Up to $250,000
5-7 projects/year funded

Phase 3

Funding amount:
Up to $1 million
1-2 projects/year funded

Application Details

By invitation only based on:

Successful completion of Phase 1 milestones or Phase 2 milestones and submission of a written report
Demonstration of clear potential for commercialization
Impact of product on improving health or advancing technology
Strategic priorities of WRF

Review Process & Timeline

Proposals will be reviewed within 8-12 weeks of submission
External experts will be contacted to review proposals under a confidentiality agreement

Possible Outcomes

Validation of commercial potential
IP generation
Opportunity for follow-on funding through WRF Phase 3 or other sources
Major licensing opportunity
Startup company formation

Follow-on funding or investment from external sources
Further IP generation
Startup company formation

Pre-proposals for Phase 1 applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; there are no deadlines for submission. Phase 2 and 3 applications will be considered after the submission of the Phase 1 final report.

Eligibility

Employees or students at Washington state nonprofit research institutions are eligible to submit a pre-proposal. Employees may be faculty, postdoctoral scholars, research scientists or hold staff appointments. All awards will be made to the institutions; WRF does not directly fund individuals.
Any intellectual property (IP) that is generated as a result of WRF funding is owned and managed by the PI’s institution according to standard institutional policies. WRF does not take any share in IP.
A project is not eligible for funding if any IP associated with that project has already been licensed to a company.

Budget Guidelines

Indirect costs are not allowed. It is the policy of the Washington Research Foundation not to pay any indirect costs on any award. WRF reviews the budget in each proposal to determine whether the direct costs being requested are appropriate. Guidance on common direct costs is provided below.

All non-salary direct project costs are allowed (e.g., equipment, supplies, facility fees, contract research costs)
Salary costs for students, research staff or postdoctoral fellows are allowed
Salary costs for regular faculty (e.g., assistant professors, associate professors, full professors) are not allowed
Salary costs for research faculty (e.g., research professors, acting instructors) are allowed
IP costs are typically not allowed as these are expected to be borne by the institution
Funds may be requested for the length of time that is appropriate to complete the project. Phase 1 grants are typically for 6-12 months
Indirect costs are not allowed

Review Criteria

Investigators are encouraged to keep in mind that technology commercialization grants are intended to support projects that will eventually lead to a commercial outcome. Although we welcome preproposals for projects that may be at an early stage of development, these grants are not intended for basic or discovery-stage research.

WRF takes into account a variety of factors in evaluating projects. These factors include, but are not limited to: