M.J. Murdock Commercialization Initiation Program

Purpose of Grant

To provide critical ‘gap’ funding to take a potential technology from concept to the next step in the commercialization pathway. Projects needs to be in natural sciences, medicine, and engineering (no games or software applications will be considered). The ideal time for submitting a proposal is when the science is solid and a feasible business plan is at hand. The goal of this program is to support the project early in the commercialization life cycle in order to enable the PI or inventor to reduce the science discovery into practice, secure IP and ownership, obtain proof of commercialization concept, and position the development toward the next round of funding. The funding should help the university and the researcher to position their project for an important next-step commercialization funding source (e.g., the SBIR). A strong business plan will be required.

Eligible Organizations

Major Research Universities in Pacific Northwest. The M.J. Trust cannot fund a for-profit entity like a spin-off company.

Restrictions

One proposal per university per year. Project must be selected by the VP for Research as the priority project.

Budget

The PI or inventor may request a two-year grant of up to $75,000 from the Murdock Trust, and the university is required to match at least an equal amount. You do not need matching funds lined up at this internal competition stage – we have been able to help with this after the project is identified.

Tips

The ideal time for submitting a proposal is when the science is solid, and a feasible business plan is at hand. The goal of this program is to support the project early in the commercialization life cycle to enable the PI or inventor to reduce the science discovery into practice, secure IP and ownership, obtain proof of commercialization concept and position the development toward the next round of funding. Proposals that will help move WSU technologies to either a startup or an existing company under a license within 1-3 years will be given preference. The proposals will be sent out to top-notch entrepreneurs and scientists in your field for review.

Deadlines & Notifications

One project will be accepted per year. The internal deadline for projects will be April 15, 2024.  If selected, the proposal will be due June 1, 2024.  Funding decisions will be made in August, 2024.

Questions

Contact Tami Lafrance with the Office of Foundation Relations at tamara.lafrance@wsu.edu.

Pre-proposal Form

Please fill out the form below to apply.