GAP Community News
The University Gap Funding/Accelerator Weekly update, a resource for those interested in university-affiliated translational research, proof of concept, startup, and venture gap fund/accelerator program
University Gap Funding and Accelerator Community News

Rowan Innovation Venture Fund Appoints Garden State Venture Partners to Lead Next Phase of Innovation
GLASSBORO, N.J., June 12, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Rowan Innovation Venture Fund (RIVF) today announced the appointment of Garden State Venture Partners (GSVP) as its new management team, marking a significant milestone in the fund’s evolution. This leadership expansion brings
MEDC renews Wayne State’s oversight of the MTRAC Advanced Computing Innovation Hub
DETROIT — Wayne State University has been selected to continue oversight of the Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) statewide program’s Advanced Computing Innovation Hub. This program funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation aims to enhance Michigan’s innovation ecosystem

Transformative UK Government £86 billion boost to science and tech
The UK government has announced a transformative £86 billion investment in science and technology, aimed at turbocharging the economy through innovation-driven growth and regional empowerment. This funding, set to reach over £22.5 billion annually by 2029/2030, forms a core part

ERC Proof of Concept Grants: Targeted investment, big innovation return |ERC
GAP Insights Summary: The latest report on the European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept (PoC) Grants underscores their outsized impact on innovation and commercialization, despite representing just 1% of the ERC’s total budget (€259 million from 2014–2023). Targeted exclusively

Turning Research Into Reality: USC Launches New Tech Innovation Fellowship
GAP Insights Summary: USC Viterbi’s Technology Innovation Fellowship Program is redefining how deep tech research transitions from the lab to the marketplace. Led by Oscar Neyra-Nazarrett and Ralph Lin, the program addresses a persistent challenge: brilliant researchers often lack the

The Pentagon launches a military-grade university startup accelerator
ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has launched a 12-week university accelerator program modeled after Y Combinator, offering $500,000 to 15 early-stage teams from U.S. universities. Targeting dual-use technologies in AI, cybersecurity, space, and energy, the initiative aims

University of Nebraska Medical Center leaders cut ribbon on Catalyst project, new era of innovation
The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has unveiled its $97 million Catalyst innovation hub in Omaha’s EDGE District, marking a transformative step in bridging academic research with commercial viability. Developed in partnership with GreenSlate Development and Koelbel & Co.,

Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announces grants to CU Boulder and CU Denver startups and researchers | Venture Partners at CU Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder
The latest round of Colorado’s Advanced Industries Accelerator Program funding showcases the state’s sophisticated approach to bridging the commercialization gap between university research and market-ready technologies. OEDIT’s $1.65 million investment across 35 recipients demonstrates a strategic focus on technologies that
Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Impact of JHTV’s Venture Mentorship Program – Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures
Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV) has many initiatives to support early-stage entrepreneurs, including structured mentorship. The Venture Mentorship Program (VMP) is a transformative experience for aspiring entrepreneurs. It pairs seasoned mentors with budding innovators, fostering a dynamic environment where ideas

SFU launches i2I Research and Innovation Institute to strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem
SFU’s i2I (Invention to Innovation) Research and Innovation Institute (i2IRII) will serve as the national centre of excellence dedicated to strengthening Canada’s innovation ecosystem. The Institute aims to grow Canadian entrepreneurial capacity by helping researchers translate their discoveries into practical applications, and