Funding that supports external validation and de-risking activities to demonstrate the commercial viability of a technology
The Accelerator Awards at Ohio State is a program that provides funding for technology development designed to accelerate the advancement of cutting-edge Ohio State innovations from the university into the marketplace. The program is funded by Ohio State, Ohio Third Frontier Technology Validation and Start-up Fund. The Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship administers the program at Ohio State.
Since the program launch in 2015, the Accelerator Awards has distributed over $5 million dollars to 69 unique projects. These projects have led over 20 startup companies.
Program
The program bridges the gap between academic research projects and market ready technologies that can secure private funding and capital investments. Funding supports de-risking activities and external validation for up to 12 months to demonstrate the commercial viability of a technology. At the conclusion of an Accelerator Award, the next step is to launch a startup company based in Ohio that licenses the technology.
Funding available
One million dollars is available each year to fund multiple projects. Applicants should request funds necessary and critical to perform the work required to complete external validation and de-risking activities.
All technologies are eligible to apply for up to $100,000 in funds. The average award amount is expected to be approximately $75,000. Some biomedical projects may require greater resources because of the nature of the proposed work. Proposals focused on creating a healthcare product regulated by the FDA may be eligible to request a budget up to a maximum of $150,000.
Eligible sectors
The program selects technologies at the appropriate stage with valid market opportunity, reasonable success to create a startup company, and are within the Ohio Third Frontier technology focus areas.
- Software/Information Technology
- Biomedical/Life Sciences
- Advanced Materials or Manufacturing
- Sensors
- Energy
Cycle dates
The Accelerator Award application process consists of three rounds: a pre-proposal, a full application by invitation and a pitch presentation by invitation.
| Fall 2023 Cycle | Spring 2024 Cycle |
Pre-proposal due date | October 2, 2023 | March 4, 2024 |
Finalist invited to submit full application | November 2023 | April 2024 |
Full application due (invitation only) | January 12, 2024 | June 3, 2024 |
Pitch presentations (invitation only) | TBD (February 2024) | TBD (late June/early July 2024) |
Funding Recommendation Notices | March 2024 | August 2024 |
Funding Projects start | April-May 2024 | September-October 2024 |
Register for an upcoming Accelerator Award pre-proposal workshop that provides background information on the program and application process with a focus on the pre-proposal submission.
For questions or to be notified of key cycle dates email accelerator_awards@osu.edu.
Eligibility
Application and Process
Funded Projects
Commercial Success
Industry Experts
