Technology Commercialization Project Instructions

(Formerly known as: Technology Innovation Grants)

Deadline: April 15

PROGRAM PRIORITIES

The Technology Commercialization Project (TCP) program, formerly known as the Technology Innovation Grant (TIG) program is funded by the University of Utah Research Foundation to further develop novel technologies that are near-commercialization.This program will support research/development in all areas of technology including medical devices, biomaterials, drug design and development, immunodiagnostics, electronics, software, communications, engineering, etc.The goal for each funded TCP is to have the technology ready for licensing to a company for commercialization by the end of the two year funding period.

The Foundation will fund up to two years of high-risk, fast-track research in order to generate private investment for further development. Applicants must indicate clearly the economic potential of project technology. Additionally, companies that would be suitable partners to develop a resulting commercial product must be identified.

Initial Application (new)

Because the primary intent of this program is to provide funding to enhance the commercial potential of existing technology or inventions, the Foundation generally supports relatively mature research projects that have the potential to be licensed to a company in the short term (i.e., within two years).

Funding is to be used for development activities such as building a working prototype; preparing samples suitable for commercial evaluation; and collecting additional data to demonstrate commercial potential. New areas of research will be considered only if there is strong evidence that commercial feasibility can be demonstrated within the two year period. The applicant must clearly describe and support the technical basis and the economic potential for the innovation to be developed.

Second Year Application (renewal)

Although the selected projects are funded for a two year period, a renewal application is necessary to obtain the second year funding. Approval of renewal applications is strongly dependent on successful completion of proposed first year milestones. Establishment of a relationship with a post-TCP commercial development partner will also be a major factor in the renewal decision.

 

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

If a TCP proposal has been funded by a Centers of Excellence Award the proposal will not be considered for funding by the TCP.

No more than two TCP proposals per applicant will be accepted in any application cycle.

Applicants must be tenure track faculty in residence at the time of application and be at least 0.75 FTE OR auxiliary faculty of at least 0.75 FTE with a minimum of a two-year residency at the University of Utah.

If a previous TCP application has been turned down by the review panel, the Principal Investigator (PI) may submit a revised proposal, either new or renewal, on the same subject for reconsideration.

 

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

There will be one submission per year for both new and renewal applications with a deadline at the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on April 15 of each year. If the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, applications are due on the first work day following the 15th. See special Renewal instructions.

One original and 16 copies of the proposal should be submitted to the Office of Sponsored Projects at either the Health Sciences office at AC 218 SOM or the general campus office at 1471 E. Federal Way. Proposals will not be returned.

Include one copy of the Official Document Summary Sheet. The Document Summary Sheet if found on the Campus Information Systems (Research Administration - eProposal). If human subjects or andimal research is involved, provide one copy of the IRB or IACUC, as appropriate.

Do NOT submit a Document Summary Sheet with renewal proposals.

The application must include the following forms arranged in this order:

  1. Cover Sheets (pages one and two)
  2. Technical proposal
  3. Budget
  4. Current and Pending Support.
  5. Biographical Sketch

If any information items requested are not included at the time of submission, the proposal will not be reviewed.

For RENEWAL applications provide ONLY the following in original and 16 copies:

  1. Cover Sheets (refer to instructions below)
  2. Revised budget only if different from the original proposal budget.
  3. Up to three pages addressing the following (use format described in technical proposal):
  4. Technical results from your first year including performance on milestones.
  5. Changes to you original proposal.
  6. Describe relevant commercial interactions, such as collaborations, in-kind contributions, sponsored research, testing of samples or prototypes, option or license agreements.

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING APPLICATIONS

The forms were developed in MICROSOFT WORD and can be completed on-line and printed on most printers.

Call the Office of Sponsored Projects (581-6903) if you have problems either completing the forms or printing the application.

Cover Sheets

  1. Check program to which you are applying. Indicate new or renewal.
  2. List PI and co-PI contact information.
  3. Project budget should be for two years and not exceed $35,000 per year.
  4. The project will begin July 1.
  5. Abstract: limit to one-half page in the space provided, using one inch margins, single-spacing, with a font size of 12 points. The abstract should be written in technical language comprehensible to persons in other technical disciplines.

 

Technical Proposal

1. Project Description

The project description must include, in this order:

  1. General background (no more than 1/2 page).
  2. Commercial Application of the Research (include patentability, market size, and comparisons with currently available products or similar application or use).
  3. Specific goals, objectives, project milestones and anticipated results.
  4. Description of project plan including anticipated barriers and technical difficulties.

The project description must be concise, limited to three typed, single-spaced pages with a font size of 12 points (see below for instructions on Key References and Extramural Support). One-inch margins must be maintained. Extensive documentation is neither necessary nor acceptable. There are no form pages provided. A violation of this format will result in your proposal not being reviewed.

NOTE: It is important that you consult the Technology Transfer Office before disclosing details of any research that may be patentable or require protection, other than the TCP proposal. TCP proposals will be reviewed by persons who have signed agreements to keep the proposals confidential. Nonetheless, proposals that contain potentially patentable material should be marked CONFIDENTIAL.

2. Key references (Limit one page)

3. Extramural Support

What companies have potential for commercializing the product based on the potential companies research and development program and commercial product line? Limit one page.

4. Budgets

Awards will be up to $35,000 per year for up to two years. If two years of funding are requested, separate budgets should be submitted for each year. Second year funding is contingent on submission and approval of a renewal application.

Funding is available for salaries and fringe benefits of post doctoral fellows, students, technicians, and other non-faculty project personnel, technical supplies, equipment (>$5,000), and miscellaneous expenses. Project funds cannot be used for faculty salaries (summer or academic year); travel that is not directly related to project research (e.g., conferences cannot be supported by this project); entertainment; consultants; or office equipment, including computers unless specifically justified.

For renewal proposals, submit a budget only if there is a change from the original proposal.

5. Current and Pending Support (initial proposal only)

Complete for each Principal Investigator and co-Investigator. Use additional page for each if necessary.

6. Biographical Sketch (initial proposal only)

Complete for each Principal Investigator and co-Investigator. Include a list of previously submitted invention disclosures, patent applications and patents. List any licenses that have been made on your inventions. List the companies for which you consult or in which you have equity as the result of your participation. List any industrial experience. Do not exceed two pages for each.

No information other than what is asked for above will be reviewed.

PROPOSAL EVALUATION

TCP New Project Evaluation Form
TCP Renewal Evaluation Form

Applications will be reviewed by an Advisory Panel appointed by the Vice President for Research. Panel members, experienced in the evaluation of technology for the purpose of commercialization, are drawn from the business community throughout the U.S. Generally, panel members will be corporate officers (e.g., CEO or Vice President for Research), consultants or venture capitalists.

Overall evaluation criteria is the potential for commercial success.

Applicants will be informed of the panel's recommendations on or about June 30.

Reviewers have found that answers to the following questions are particularly useful in their evaluations.

  1. Does the PI(s) clearly explain the technology innovation? Are the arguments that it could work convincing?
  2. Does the PI(s) clearly explain the significance of the innovation to the potential market?
  3. Does the PI(s) provide information necessary to determine the commercial potential?
  4. Does the proposed product fit a real market need?
  5. Is the potential commercial impact of the research stated and justified?
  6. Are the goals, objectives and results stated clearly and are they reasonable, given the funds and time provided?
  7. Are the methods outlined and do they reflect the goals and objectives stated in the proposal?
  8. Have potential barriers, technical difficulties and potential commercial partners been identified?
  9. Are key references provided?
  10. Have extramural opportunities been identified and are they reasonable?
  11. Does the PI (and co-PIs) have the experience necessary to carry out the project?
  12. Are the resources available to carry out the project?

PROJECT ADMINISTRATION

The Principal Investigator is responsible for the administration of project funds. In particular, he/she must be certain that over-expenditures do not occur. Capital equipment purchased from the funds of the Foundation is the property of the University of Utah. There will be automatic carry-forward of any unspent funds for the initial year to the second year of support.

No-cost extensions will not be approved for the TCP.

REPORTING REQUIREMENT

At least one month prior to completion of the TCP period (one or two years), the PI(s) must meet with a Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) staff member or consultant to present results and to agree on what actions will be carried out to commercialize the technology. A final written report must be submitted by August 1 of the final year of funding. Renewal proposals will act as final reports for the first year of funding whether or not a second year is approved.

If the PI fails to provide a final report by September 30 of the project year, no future TCP or other Research Foundation proposal will be considered.

If you need assistance in completing the forms, or have any questions regarding project procedures, please telephone Brian Cummings, Director, Technology Commercialization Office (581-7792; e-mail bcumming@tco.utah.edu), or Jo Ann Murray, in the Office of the Vice President for Research (581-7236; e-mail jo.murray@vpres.adm.utah.edu).