TLO Grant Programs
Tech Discovery MicroGrants
Funding Amount: $5k-$10k with additional required matches from college/department
The MicroGrants program provides seed funding to help University of Utah researchers test innovative ideas and gather preliminary data for larger grant applications. We offer a unique 1:1:1 matching model where the TLO/UVH, your department, and college each contribute funds to support your early-stage research. Perfect for proof-of-concept experiments, technology development, or pilot studies that need quick funding to demonstrate feasibility.
Ascender Grants
17 awards for $1.6M awarded in fiscal year 2025
The Ascender Grant program provides substantial funding to help University of Utah researchers bridge the critical gap between research discoveries and market-ready innovations. Designed for technologies with strong commercial potential, Ascender Grants support activities like prototype development, market validation, and scalability testing to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and licensees. To qualify, your technology must be formally disclosed to TLO, remain unlicensed, and show clear potential for commercialization success.
Other Grant Opportunities from the U
- Research Incentive Seed Grant Program from The Office of the Vice President for Research
- Sorenson Impact Foundation launched the Equitable & Resilient Recovery grant program
- The Office of the Vice President for Research’s The Faculty Small Grant Program (FSGP)
- Research Instrumentation Fund (RIF) Program - provides support to faculty and core facilities for new equipment purchases, or to replace/upgrade existing research equipment. The VPR Office runs two cycles of the RIF Program.
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) application assistance – As a member of the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR), Won Yong Lee can help university investigators find appropriate funding sources and develop grant applications. He will help you seek and vet commercial entities to partner with U investigators.
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State and Federal Grant Sources
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Services: The Utah Innovation Center, of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (Go Utah), provides free services to help Utah companies secure non-dilutive research and development funding. The Center also manages the Utah Technology Innovation Funding (UTIF) program that provides microgrants and nonrecourse loans.
- Grants.gov
Investments
Investment funds from the U
- University Venture Fund from the Sorenson Impact Center & David Eccles School of Business
- The David Eccles School of Business Student Investment Fund
- Sorenson Impact Foundation Investments
- Lassonde's Get Seeded
Other Sources
This is an ever-growing list of opportunities, so check back often.
- Entrepreneur & Investor Life Science Summit
- Angel Capital Association Member Directory
- National Venture Capital Association Members
Technology Licensing Office's Pitch Prep Program
If you are looking for help preparing to pitch to investors please contact us.
