Bridging the Gap. Together.

The Gap Fund and Accelerator Program Community of Action (GAP COA) is the premier network for leaders of research institution-affiliated gap funding and accelerator programs. We serve:

  • Proof of concept programs
  • Startup accelerators
  • University venture funds

Whether you’re just launching a gap fund, growing your program, or facing immediate challenges, GAP COA provides the insights, partnerships, and resources you need to succeed.

Collaborate

Create and expand access to insights, tactics, and data to support program improvement and stakeholder development

Advocate

Increase public/private awareness of the capital and support gap for university innovation and build consensus around gap funding/accelerator programs as a solution

Connect

Connect university translational research, proof of concept projects, and startups to sources of capital, talent, and commercialization partnerships

Accelerate Your GAP FUND AND ACCELERATOR Today

Membership Benefits

Data & Insights

Gain access to exclusive, data-driven insights and trends that can save you hours and enhance your strategy. Our members receive over two decades’ worth of research and community-proven tactics for optimizing gap fund and accelerator programs. This access alone provides $7,500 in immediate value, thanks to our comprehensive archives of reports, case studies, and event materials.

Events & Engagement

GAP COA brings you into an active community of workshops, webinars, and affinity discussions. Learn from others’ experiences, find support, and exchange ideas in our real-time discussions. Key events include:

Commercialization and Investment Partnerships

Our BRIDGE program connects institutions with potential corporate partners, investors, and mentors. You’ll have the unique opportunity to develop relationships that move your projects from concept to commercialization:

Join GAP COA Today

What Does GAP COA Membership Offer?

Structured Support for Program Growth

Whether you’re defining a new program, seeking sustainable funding, or navigating campus priorities, GAP COA membership provides best practices and success blueprints in:

Expanded Networks & Resources

Through GAP COA, you’ll join a powerful network of peers who share your challenges and goals. Connect with leaders in university venture funds, proof-of-concept programs, and startup accelerators to gain new perspectives and find innovative solutions.

Mind the Gap Report

Ongoing organizational access to most recent iteration of this, now 17-years-strong, development guide to support current and aspiring fund that contains capital landscape review, program best practices, and impact measures (176 funds / 96 research institutions)

COA Members Site

Online member forum, document and event archives, and member-member communication tools.

GAP Tactical Reports

Survey reports from membership on approaches to different challenges and approaches related to GAP programming

Tactical Web Workshop/AFFINITY GROUPS

Regular virtual connection on emerging topics, perspectives from outside experts, and member discussions on

BRIDGE Program

Relationship-building program to connect GAP projects with mentorship and commercialization and investment partnerships.

COVERGENCE Annual Summit

Annual summit for research institution gap fund/accelerator program leaders and corporate/investment partners. GAP COA members receive a complimentary registration

Events Archive

Full access to past presentations, event recordings, and associated materials that can be shared throughout your organization

Program & Process Documents

Repository of member documents related to their program or process such as gap fund program descriptions, advisory board structure, evaluation scorecards, pitch deck templates, impact reporting for leadership.

Global Community

lorem ipsum...

Save Resources & Time:

Cut down on hours spent researching and strategizing by leveraging insights from leaders who’ve been there before.

Accelerate your Impact:

Make meaningful connections with stakeholders and potential partners.

Immediate Return on Investment:

With $7,500 worth of reports, resources, and event archives, you'll have instant tools to start making a difference.

Join GAP COA Today

GAP COA Best Practice Focus Areas

Defining Gap Fund and Accelerator Program (GAP) Approaches

Communicating the Value, Need, & Expectations of GAP Programs

Raising and Sustaining GAP Funding

Coordinating GAP Programs with Campus Units and Priorities

Implementing Policies and Incentives (P&I) that Support GAP Programs

Managing Inventor Involvement in the GAP Process

Attracting & Collaborating with Commercial & Investment Partners

Evaluating Technologies and Startups for Grants & Investments

Structuring the Financing & Ownership of GAP Technologies and Startups

Cultivating GAP Talent, Mentorship, & Development Support Programs

Assessing & Reporting Impact and Performance Metrics

GAP COA Best Practice Focus Areas

Defining Gap Fund and Accelerator Program (GAP) Approaches

Raising and Sustaining GAP Funding

Communicating the Value, Need, and Expectations of GAP Programs

Coordinating GAP Programs with Campus Units and Priorities

Implementing Policies and Incentives (P&I) that Support GAP Programs

Managing Inventor Involvement in the GAP Process

Attracting and Collaborating with Commercial and Investment Partners

Evaluating Technologies and Startups for Grants and Investments

Structuring the Financing and Ownership of GAP Technologies and Startups

Cultivating GAP Talent, Mentorship, and Development Support Programs

Assessing and Reporting Impact and Performance Metrics

Success Stories

Join Us.

Open to any research institution at any point in their gap fund/accelerator evolution.
 Whether you have managed a program for years, just started thinking about it, or have hit a roadblock, you will find a home here.

Annual Organizational Membership

Gain exclusive access to data, events, and strategic partnerships designed to elevate your institution’s gap funding and accelerator programs. This annual membership connects you to a powerful community, valuable insights, and new opportunities for impactful growth. Unlock over $7,500 in resources and join today!

RESEARCH INSTITUTION organizational membership up to THREE active TEAM members