U-M’s New Drug Discovery Center to Commercialize Research; provide seed grants

Last week, the University of Michigan announced a new Center for the Discovery of New Medicines (CDNM) to help speed the school’s research findings to the marketplace. The new initiative is a cross-departmental effort to leverage resources like former Pfizer researchers, unique libraries of compounds, and a culture of data sharing to streamline early-stage drug discovery in an age where big pharma is increasingly […]

University of York offers proof of concept funding for social entrepreneurs

THE  University of York is to encourage a new generation of social entrepreneurs. The university is one of 56 universities to take part in a pilot of a national programme to encourage the creation of social enterprises, self-sustaining initiatives to achieve social purposes rather than just make a profit.

Mayo Clinic, venture firms team to support Rock Health tech incubator fund

After two years of nurturing medical-technology companies–including one that turns an iPhone into a functioning microscope and another making games to sharpen mental acuity–San Francisco incubator Rock Health has formed a partnership with several venture firms that will see more investment dollars flowing to early-stage companies. Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers , Aberdare Ventures , […]

Estonian Tallinn University offers Prototron Fund with help from Swedbank

On the 14th of August prototype fund called “Prototron” was launched by Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol, Swedbank and Tallinn University of Technology. The aim of the fund is to finance the development of first products – prototypes. Swedbank will financing fund of Prototron is 120 000 euros for the first three years.  

University of Utah looks to donations to jumpstart Gateway Crimson Innovation Fund

At a time when the University of Utah is tapping the philanthropic community to fund scholarships and buildings for research, academics, athletics and cultural amenities, the school this week added another request: funding for technology commercialization. Money donated to a new Gateway Crimson Innovation Fund will help push university inventions, such as medical devices and treatments, drugs, […]

Overview: Portland State University Venture Development Fund

The University Venture Development Fund (UVDF) is a legislatively created and donor funded venture/ grant program unique to the State of Oregon. As a fund used to fill the funding ‘gap’ between university innovation and commercial products and services, the UVDF benefits faculty, the university, and company and individual donors (with a generous Oregon tax […]

Not just for the big guys: McMurry University creates new student-led investment fund

ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University students in the School of Business will have a unique learning opportunity beginning this fall with the creation of a $1 million Student-Managed Investment Fund. The fund, approved this summer by the McMurry Board of Trustees, will allocate the $1 million from the McMurry endowment which will be managed by students enrolled […]

Xfund, new Cambridge fund set to support innovation at Harvard, others

In January, The Experiment Fund (Xfund) launched as an early-stage seed fund through backing from storied venture capital firm New Enterprise Associates. Anchored at Harvard, what the Xfund was able to develop was a partnership between two of the longest living institutions in their respective fields. “When anyone designs any institution, they always want it to […]

University of Dayton gets support from Connor Group on new seed fund

The University of Dayton’s entrepreneurship program has made its first investment through a new seed fund to help a new Dayton-based manufacturing business get off the ground. The Connor Group Foundation Seed Investment Fund will provide a $50,000 loan toUDECX LLC. UDECX manufactures a modular decking system with easily assembled decking and patio kits constructed of […]