About Us

Vision

WRF envisions Washington state research institutions delivering innovations that transform our lives.

Mission

To improve the lives of people around the world, we aim to:

• Fund translational research in the life sciences and enabling technologies at Washington state research institutions
• Enable scientists and researchers to make an impact with their discoveries; and
• Invest in startup companies deploying innovative technologies from Washington state research institutions

Program Goals and Principles

• Invest in people: Support STEM researchers at qualifying institutions who demonstrate the talent and focus to advance life-changing innovations
• Enable innovation and invention: Catalyze the creation and development of innovations at Washington state research institutions
• Fill the funding gaps: Speed the development and deployment of innovations by bridging gaps at any point in the pipeline from inception of a new idea to the point where the public can benefit from the new product or service. We do this through both grantmaking, and investing in early-stage startup companies
• Leverage resources: Partner with outside resources, including philanthropy, federal funding and private capital
• Align our efforts: Foster a vibrant innovative ecosystem through our grantmaking, investing and partnering