Robert Draper Technology Innovation Fund (TIF) Grants
Program Description
The Draper Technology Innovation Fund (TIF) provides a mechanism to support the additional research often necessary to bring new concepts and inventions to the patent and licensing stage. The program goal is the eventual introduction of new products and processes into the market place for the public good. Funds can be used to support efforts to enhance the scope or patentability of inventions and assist with their potential licensing to the commercial sector. Examples of research activities include prototype development, preparation of samples for evaluation, and application testing.
Eligibility
Applicants must be University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty members or academic staff. A formal University invention disclosure must have been accepted by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF).
Funding Facts
Awards are subject to the availability of funds, therefore, we recommend that you contact The Graduate School (see contact information below) prior to submitting a request for funding. Proposals are funded at a level of effort necessary to achieve research objectives. Typical awards range between $5,000-$35,000. Funding is made available throughout the calendar year. Proposals normally are funded for up to twelve months of effort.
2008 TIF Competitions
Deadlines in 2008:
- January 28
- April 28
- July 28
- October 22
Contact your school/college for deadlines for internal review of proposals by school/college administrators
The TIF proposal cover page and two-page budget form are available Microsoft Word format. Please print the forms and complete them by typing or neatly handwriting in the blanks.
Draper TIF Proposal Instructions (MS Word)
Draper TIF Cover Page (MS Word)
Draper TIF Budget Form (MS Word)
Previous TIF Grant Recipients
For additional information contact gsgrants@bascom.wisc.edu.