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
GAP Insights: MUSC Launches $30M in Health Venture Funding to Spur SC Innovation
The Medical University of South Carolina has unveiled a groundbreaking $30 million venture fund initiative to accelerate health innovation and economic growth statewide. With two complementary funds—the $20M 1824 Health Ventures Fund I for university spinouts and the $10M South
Cornell Tech welcomes 11 new startups through Runway and Spinout programs
Cornell Tech welcomes 11 new startups to its campus this September through its Runway Startups Program — with ventures tackling challenges that range from agricultural robotics and energy systems to fertility care, global trade compliance, and AI safety. To date, more than
UConn to Host Inaugural Tech Showcase –
UConn will host its first-ever Tech Showcase on Thursday, Sept. 18, gathering some of the state’s top innovators in celebration of groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial talent. The Showcase will provide opportunities for established professionals, newcomers, and students alike. It will feature
University of Michigan Bold Challenges awards nearly $1 million in ‘Accelerate’ grants
The Bold Challenges Initiative has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to 10 University of Michigan teams pursuing large-scale, interdisciplinary grants. The projects receiving “Accelerate” funding range from finding ways to treat a common cause of heart disease to identifying
GAP Insights: Transatlantic collaboration: Vanderbilt, Liverpool award first joint research seed grants
The Vanderbilt–Liverpool Joint Research Seed Grant program exemplifies how early-stage, strategically matched funding can unlock deep, international academic collaboration. By starting with relationship-building around shared competencies (in music and broader research strengths), the program advances impactful partnerships. Three key takeaways
Introducing the 2025 ilab x Momentum Accelerator cohort at University of Queensland
For the first time, The University of Queensland’s Ventures ilab Accelerator is partnering with the Momentum Accelerator to offer a one-of-a-kind experience for UQ-affiliated startups. This combined program supports two distinct streams, each with unique goals and funding opportunities to help get their
MSU Research Foundation launches $4M startup competition, shot at $1m grand prize
The Michigan State University Research Foundation has secured $4 million to transform PitchMI as a founder-focused startup competition aimed at fueling Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The reimagined PitchMI will award eight $250,000 investments to regional winners, who will then advance to
GAP Insights: Utah officials betting Nucleus Institute to become a hub where research and technology materialize
Utah has elevated its innovation game with the launch of the Nucleus Institute, now the central hub galvanizing research, business, and talent across the state. This initiative brings together government, higher education, and industry, focusing on tangible results: breakthrough commercialization,
GAP Insights: Purdue Innovates updates support for both inventors and entrepreneurs
Purdue Innovates exemplifies a best-in-class university commercialization and acceleration system—combining strategic alignment, streamlined operations, and robust partner networks to unlock impact for inventors and entrepreneurs. Since its 2023 launch and 2025 update, the unified initiative clarifies the journey from idea
Tulane Innovation Institute launches Founder Lab
The Tulane University Innovation Institute has launched Founder Lab, a new initiative to accelerate the commercialization of Tulane University research by recruiting experienced entrepreneurs to lead ventures with promising Tulane-created technologies that can make a positive societal impact. The Founder Lab positions Tulane