Is this funding opportunity for me and my team?

We’re looking for faculty who have a keen interest in seeing their research discoveries translate to society, where they can have an impact. TechForward provides resources to help you do just that! Do one of these profiles sound like you? Then you’re in the right spot!

Discovery

Phase 1

You are in this phase if your latest research insights lead you to believe you have an innovation that could provide substantial benefit to society. Please share your research discovery with us by submitting an interest form.

Programs and services:

  • Let us assess your invention: As a faculty, graduate or post doctoral scholar, or staff member, you are required to submit an invention disclosure form to the Office of Technology Management and Licensing. Once you disclose your invention, our tech scouts will perform a market and patent assessment and share the report with you.

  • Get expert feedback or find an industry partner: Book a time to meet with Kaplan Executive Director and/or research commercialization council members. They can help you understand what steps to take to translate your research, including identifying a commercialization partner.

  • Identify a customer: Send your students to participate in the Kaplan Institute Startup Launch course (fall) or University of Chicago I-CORPS program: all faculty may apply. Illinois Tech has one guaranteed slot per year. 

Team Building and Planning

Phase 2

You are in this phase if you are ready to translate your research and need help developing a business plan or team so that you can apply for funding.

Programs and services:

  • Team Building: Sign up to participate in the Team Building event in November and pitch your research project to a room full of students and community members interested in joining your team.

  • Grant proposal development: Send your team to the Lab To Launch course (offered in fall and spring) to help develop a commercialization plan for your translational research project.

  • Apply for TechForward funding: Submit your grant application for funding. Click below for more details on dates and eligibility.

  • Apply for funding and support outside Illinois Tech: There are a number of accelerator programs outside Illinois Tech who can support the translational of your research

De-risking / Commercialization

Phase 3

You are in this phase if you have been funded and are currently advancing your startup or sponsored research project.

Programs and services:

  • Support building an industry advisory board

  • Advisory board meeting management

  • Administration of grant expenses and team recruitment

  • Fundraising (dilutive and non-dilutive capital) and customer development