Technology Development Fund (TDF)

The Spring 2021 round of the University’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) is now open – Apply by May 3, 2021

The TDF awards funds of up to $100K to advance an innovation to a more commercial endpoint. Designed for researchers who are committed to bringing an idea to market, TDF funds support animal testing, prototyping and other proof-of-concept studies.

All University of Rochester faculty, staff, and graduate students can apply. A submitted invention disclosure to URVentures is required with an application; you can submit an invention disclosure here.

To select awardees, URVentures facilitates a two-part proposal and review process. Pre-proposal applications are due to Omar Bakht by 5pm ET on Monday, May 3rd 2021. Learn more about the TDF and access the full application materials here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Omar Bakht or Diana Dolce.

The TDF makes awards to UR researchers as they develop their innovations to get them ready for the marketplace. TDF funds typically support animal testing, prototyping and other proof-of-concept studies, with the goal of developing University of Rochester technologies to a commercial proof point. TDF awards are not prizes or research grants, but are funds to accomplish specific development milestones. Since 2010, TDF support has provided over $4M to 49 projects, resulting in 30+ publications, over $7M in additional research funding, 8 licenses/options and several startups.