Proof-of-Concept Is Becoming the Entry Point for External Engagement
Proof-of-concept programs were originally designed to support validation and early de-risking, but increasingly they are becoming one of the first structured points where external stakeholders can engage meaningfully with emerging opportunities. Historically, most interaction between research institutions and downstream partners occurred later in the process, often after a company had formed, intellectual property strategy had […]
NYU Langone Health Secures Nearly $70 Million NIH Grant to Accelerate Scientific Discovery
NYU Langone Health has been awarded a nearly $70 million, seven-year renewal grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund its Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI). The award is the highest level of funding available nationally under NIH’s Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program. “This award positions NYU Langone at the forefront […]
KAUST and SAB celebrate milestone ninth cohort of TAQADAM accelerator, driving global innovation into the Kingdom’s ecosystem
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and SAB today concluded the showcase for the ninth cohort of the TAQADAM startup accelerator. The event marked the culmination of six months of development, with 20 ventures preparing to scale within Saudi Arabia’s diversifying economy. This year’s cohort includes 20 startups across 12 industries from 13 […]
Saint Louis University’s New Venture Accelerator Names 2026 Cohort
Newswise — ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis University’s New Venture Accelerator (NVA), launched in 2024 out of the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship (CCE), announces its third cohort of participants. The NVA offers current SLU students and alumni who graduated within the last five years equity-free investments of up to $50,000 through a special accelerator fund […]
Colorado advances quantum innovation with third round of translational seed grant awards | CUbit Quantum Initiative | University of Colorado Boulder
Administered by the CUbit Quantum Initiative at the University of Colorado Boulder on behalf of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the program provides targeted, non-dilutive funding to both academic and industry-led teams demonstrating strong commercial potential. Each awardee receives $50,000 to advance translational efforts. This support is especially vital in the capital-intensive and […]
Six student ventures earn $50,000 each in 2026 President’s Buckeye Accelerator
Six student-led startups were each awarded $50,000 in funding at The Ohio State University’s 2026 President’s Buckeye Accelerator (PBA) finale, led by the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship. The pitch event featured 12 teams presenting their ventures to a panel of judges representing a cross-section of entrepreneurs and business professionals. Teams delivered timed pitches followed by a […]
The Next Phase of GAP Is External Engagement
Over the past several years, gap fund and accelerator programs (GAP) have made meaningful progress in incorporating external perspectives alongside internal capability building, but that work is still maturing. Institutions have worked to stand up proof-of-concept programs, expand translational support, launch accelerators, and in some cases, establish affiliated venture funds. The emphasis has been on […]
Proof-of-Concept Is Where Opportunities Take Shape
Proof-of-concept programs (POC) are often described in terms of validation, but in practice, their role is much broader. At this stage, technologies are not simply being tested. They are being shaped. Use cases are defined, potential markets are explored, and decisions are made about where a technology fits and where it does not. Early assumptions […]
GAP Programs Are Not Programs Anymore. They’re Systems
Across research institutions, gap fund and accelerator programs (GAP) are often still described as a collection of individual efforts. A proof-of-concept fund here, an accelerator there, maybe an affiliated venture fund layered on top. In practice, that framing is becoming outdated. What is emerging is not a set of standalone programs, but an interdependent system […]
The EU is supporting 70 deep tech startups with new pre-accelerator funding
The EIC Pre-Accelerator programme focuses on “widening countries” under Horizon Europe, as well as associated nations and outermost regions, where start-up ecosystems often face structural challenges. By directing funding and support to these areas, the initiative aims to unlock untapped potential and reduce disparities across Europe. The selected companies come from 22 countries, with Portugal, Estonia, and […]