Advance Innovation Hub Proof-of-Concept Fund

The Advance Innovation Hub Proof-of-Concept Fund is administered by the Michigan State University Innovation Center on behalf of all public universities in Michigan and is sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The program is designed to accelerate the commercialization of early-stage university technologies by providing targeted funding that bridges the gap between academic research and market-ready innovation. It operates as part of a broader ecosystem of state-supported commercialization initiatives, aligning with venture capital networks and translational research programs to create a pipeline of investable opportunities emerging from university research portfolios. The primary objective of the fund is to support early-stage technologies at Technology Readiness Levels one through four, where projects are often too immature to attract private investment. The program focuses on helping research teams identify viable market applications, validate business models, and demonstrate proof of concept through structured customer discovery and technical validation activities. By enabling researchers and technology transfer offices to advance innovations beyond basic research, the fund addresses a recognized capital gap in the commercialization continuum within the state. Funding provided through the program is intended to support a defined set of commercialization-focused activities. Allowable uses include prototyping, market research, customer discovery, animal studies, intellectual property analysis, consulting services, and other activities directly tied to de-risking a technology. Funds must be used strictly for project advancement and cannot support indirect costs, equipment purchases, tuition, construction, or intellectual property filing expenses. All awarded funds must be matched on a one-to-one basis with university cash contributions, reinforcing institutional commitment to the project and ensuring shared investment in commercialization outcomes. Eligibility is limited to applicants affiliated with public or private institutions of higher education in the State of Michigan. Projects must have an active invention disclosure on file with a university Technology Transfer Office and must demonstrate a clear commercial application. Technologies that are already licensed or optioned are not eligible. Applications are typically submitted by technology transfer offices or research administration units, which are responsible for overseeing project execution and compliance. The program emphasizes collaboration between faculty researchers and commercialization professionals to maximize the likelihood of successful outcomes. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal package via email in a single PDF file. Required components include a cover page and summary, a detailed project description outlining technical aspects, market opportunity, commercialization pathway, milestones, and prior funding, as well as a detailed budget and justification. Additional documentation may include letters of support and references. Proposals are evaluated based on alignment with program objectives, technical and commercial feasibility, and the extent to which the project advances the technology toward a defined commercial outcome such as licensing or startup formation. The program generally operates on a semi-rolling basis, with proposals accepted continuously and reviewed approximately every two months by an evaluation committee. However, for the Spring and Summer 2026 cycle, the program follows a defined request for proposals window, accepting submissions from April 15 through April 29 at five pm Eastern Time. During this cycle, funding requests are capped at twenty five thousand dollars to accommodate a backlog of proposals, and applicants are encouraged to propose minimal viable projects with clearly defined milestones. Applicants are typically notified of funding decisions within eight weeks of submission, and awarded funds are distributed promptly following execution of required agreements. Awardees receive funding through a subagreement issued by Michigan State University, which must be signed within one month to avoid rescission of the award. Projects may request a single no cost extension of up to three months under extenuating circumstances. The program also supports ongoing commercialization activities beyond the initial award, including preparation for follow-on funding opportunities such as SBIR or STTR grants and participation in additional translational research programs. For questions or application support, applicants may contact the program via email or phone through the Michigan State University Innovation Center.

Focus on minimal viable project with clear commercialization milestones; align budget tightly with de-risking activities; demonstrate market validation and pathway to licensing or startup formation