The University of Texas at Austin continues to be a powerhouse for innovation, thanks in part to the Texas Proof of Concept Awards program, which plays a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge technologies toward commercialization. Since its inception, the initiative has funded 44 different projects, with 20 of those going on to participate in the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps™ program. In total, the Texas Proof of Concept Awards program has provided over $500k to NSF I-Corps Principal Investigators (PIs), providing critical support as they move from lab-based research to market-ready technologies.
One of the key outcomes of this integral funding program has been the success of NSF I-Corps participants, many of whom have gone on to form startups and secure further federal, non-dilutive funding through the SBIR/STTR programs. $1.1M has been deployed to support promising projects, and in two and a half years, awardees have collectively secured $2.8M in follow-on funding to continue developing critical technologies
The Texas Proof of Concept Awards program, managed by Discovery to Impact, is designed to help researchers bridge the gap between discovery and commercialization. By providing financial support to help de-risk early-stage technologies, the project gives PIs the resources to validate their work, improve technical feasibility, and enhance market readiness. Discovery to Impact supports UT Startups pursuing SBIR/STTR funding through this $25k gap funding program, writing workshops, on-demand webinars, and select 1:1 proposal support. These projects span a wide range of industries, from healthcare and clean energy to advanced materials and artificial intelligence, demonstrating the diversity and strength of innovation at UT Austin. Moreover, 34% of the supported technologies now have a startup company formed, helping drive economic impact here in Texas and beyond.
Dr. Matt Sorenson, Program Manager of the Texas Proof of Concept Awards, highlighted the impact of the initiative: “Our goal is to partner with researchers, providing them the opportunity to validate their innovations in a way that makes them attractive for commercialization opportunities and partners. Participating in the NSF I-Corps program has allowed many teams to accelerate their development, attract additional investment, and even launch successful companies. We’re excited to continue supporting UT Austin’s innovators as they bring their technologies to market.”
The next application deadline for the Texas Proof of Concept Awards is September 24, 2024, and more information can be found on the Discovery to Impact website.
For anyone at UT Austin who is exploring the idea of commercializing their research, the Texas Innovation Center offers a wealth of resources, including events and workshops that can guide you through the process. More information can be found on the Texas Innovation Center website.
Additionally, researchers looking to participate in the NSF I-Corps program should visit the NSF Southwest I-Corps Hub website to learn more about how to get involved and accelerate their technology development journey.
With ongoing support from the Texas Proof of Concept Awards and the NSF I-Corps program, UT Austin continues to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, helping researchers transform their ideas into impactful, market-ready solutions.
