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University Proof of Concept Funds (SIG Report)

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October 16-17, 2025 / Seattle, WA

The annual summit for research institution gap fund and accelerator programs, including proof of concept programs, startup accelerators, and university venture funds

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The Story

The Mind the Gap Proof of Concept Fund Special Interest Group (SIG) took place on February 24th, 2015 from 11-12:30 PM EST and was attended by ~55 professionals interested in the role of proof of concept funds at research institutions. This group was composed of current and aspiring fund managers and stakeholders.

The following report draws from the discussion of the group, and is supported by survey results from 12 fund managers at the event and data from the Mind the Gap Report.

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The Consortium provides a dedicated, institutional coordinating forum for collective insight, program refinement, and structured engagement with aligned commercial, investment, and philanthropic partners.

GAP are an interdependent institutional innovation and capital strategy that includes:

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