Proposals are being sought from academic institutions in the western IDeA states that have developed biomedical innovations with the potential to transform healthcare. To be eligible, innovations must have been disclosed to the applicant's Technology Transfer Office (TTO), with a clear intellectual property and technology protection strategy in place. The program emphasizes projects that can demonstrate significant progress toward commercialization, with an ultimate goal of advancing these technologies to the market.

Awardees will be expected to provide regular updates on their progress and participate in ASCEND2.0's educational programs, which are designed to enhance their entrepreneurial skills. The program offers funding of up to $30,000 per project, with a maximum of 10 pilots to be awarded. Proposals will be rigorously evaluated based on scientific rigor, feasibility, impact, and commercial potential, with the aim of fostering innovations that meet SBIR/STTR grant criteria.

Applications are due by Monday, September 16, 2024, with awards to be announced on October 15, 2024.

Click here for the RFP and more information.