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

NSF advances 29 semifinalists in the second NSF Regional Innovation Engines competition | NSF – National Science Foundation
The U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program announced the 29 semifinalists advancing to the next stage of the second competition – spanning critical technologies and applications ranging from energy grid security to maximizing the yield of critical minerals

New MIT postdoctoral fellowship program to accelerate innovation in health care
The MIT Health and Life Sciences Collaborative (MIT HEALS) is launching the Biswas Postdoctoral Fellowship Program to advance the work of outstanding early-career researchers in health and life sciences. Supported by a gift from the Biswas Family Foundation, the program aims to

New Vanderbilt Wond’ry campus collaboration promises heightened opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship
As part of Vanderbilt’s ongoing drive to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, Provost C. Cybele Raver has announced a strategic new collaboration among the Wond’ry, the School of Engineering and the Owen Graduate School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurship. The Wond’ry

Innovate Alabama and Harmony Venture Labs launch studio and fund to build scalable startups
Innovate Alabama has partnered with Harmony Venture Labs (HVL) to launch the Innovate Alabama Venture Studio and Fund, a new initiative aimed at helping build and grow high-potential startups in Alabama. Powered by HVL’s successful studio model, this effort will work alongside local

Cancer treatments and Panama Canal efficiency: Purdue Innovates Incubator funds projects to advance university innovations
The Purdue Innovates Incubator, through its Trask Innovation Fund, has awarded $100,000 to support the commercialization of two cutting-edge university innovations in spring 2025: a novel cancer therapy and a waterway management solution for the Panama Canal. The fund, managed

Spring 2025 Innovation Gap Fund winners announced – CoMotion
The University of Washington’s CoMotion and Population Health Initiative have announced the Spring 2025 Innovation Gap Fund winners, awarding $75,000 each to two research teams for a total of $150,000 in funding. The selected projects are strategically aligned with UW’s

MSU Research Foundation and Michigan Virtual Launch New Conquer EdTech Accelerator — Michigan State University Research Foundation
The Michigan State University (MSU) Research Foundation, in partnership with Michigan Virtual, has launched the Conquer EdTech Accelerator—a 10-week intensive program designed to support early-stage education technology startups focused on K-12 solutions. The accelerator is set to begin in Fall

Early-Stage Innovation Fund awards advance breakthrough technologies in healthcare, education and security
The Florida High Tech Corridor in partnership with University of South Florida Research & Innovation is pleased to announce the latest recipients of the Early-Stage Innovation Fund awards. This initiative supports pioneering research projects with significant commercial potential, providing each selected faculty-led team with

US judge blocks slashing of universities’ federal funding from National Science Foundation | Reuters
A landmark federal court decision has halted the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) policy to cap indirect research cost reimbursements at 15% for universities, safeguarding billions in critical research funding. The NSF’s policy, announced in May, would have replaced individually negotiated
Three UChicago Startups Receive Investment from the George Shultz Innovation Fund
The George Shultz Innovation Fund has awarded $250,000 to StaC12, $200,000 to Theta Neurotech, and $150,000 to CavilinQ to support the continued development and commercialization of their technologies. Managed by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the George Shultz