Grant funding that advances Ohio State innovations to the marketplace
Accelerator Awards fund technologies that have moved beyond basic lab research and help bridge the gap between basic lab research and market-ready technologies. Funding supports milestone-driven projects to validate and demonstrate the commercial viability of the technology. The goal is to position technologies to commercialize through an Ohio-based startup company. The program is funded by Ohio State and the Ohio Third Frontier and is administered by the Innovation and Commercialization Team. Up to $1 million is available each year to fund multiple projects.
Eligibility and Funding
Technologies must be within at least one of the Ohio Third Frontier technology focus areas:
- Software/information technology
- Biomedical/life sciences
- Advanced materials
- Manufacturing
- Sensors
- Energy
Awarded technologies should also be at the appropriate development stage, have a viable market opportunity and a reasonable opportunity to
commercialize through a startup company.
Program Eligibility
Technologies must have an invention disclosure filed 15 days in advance of the pre-proposal submission deadline and be actively managed by an ERIK licensing officer. Applicants should discuss their intent to submit a pre-proposal with the licensing officer. Proposed
project activities that are duplicated or substantially overlapping and are supported by research grant support, industry sponsorship, co-development or investment partners are not eligible for funding. Technologies that are the subject of a TVSF Phase 2 award, or
similar stage funding, are considered too far developed and are ineligible for funding.
Funding and Budget
Technologies are eligible to apply for up to $100,000 in funds. Biomedical projects developing an FDA regulated technology may be eligible to request up to $150,000 in funds. Applicants should request only the funds necessary and critical to perform the validation work. Funds support up to a 12-month project and is provided in tranches aligned with project milestones.
The purpose of funding is to validate and demonstrate proof that will impact and enhance commercial viability. Funds are not provided to support general research or administrative activities, discovery or basic research. Funds should be predominantly directed towards
using third-party vendors and it is expected that a minimal amount of funds will be used to support in-lab efforts. This can provide access to the expertise, capabilities, and resources necessary to independently validate the technology is feasible and can demonstrate
commercial viability. This can help reduce risks and validate the technology's potential.
Application, Process and Deadlines
The Accelerator Award application process consists of three rounds: a pre-proposal, a full application by invitation and a pitch presentation by invitation.
Email accelerator_awards@osu.edu with questions.
Pre-proposal
Pre-proposal Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025 by 5 p.m.
Applicants must use the pre-proposal template that includes general information about the problem, solution, competition, market opportunity, commercialization path, IP position, project milestones and team members. Proposals are checked for eligibility and
alignment with the program’s goals prior to distribution for review by an external Selection Committee. Selected pre-proposals will be invited to advance as finalists. All applicants will receive an evaluation summary.
Full Applications
Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026 by 5 p.m.
Pre-proposals that advance will be notified by email and invited to submit a full proposal. Finalists must engage with an industry expert to help refine the commercialization objectives of the project to submit a strong, commercially focused milestone plan, with third-party vendors identified and an industry letter of support. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to include budget supporting documents. Up to three letters of support from potential licensees or commercialization partners may be provided.
Pitch Presentations
Anticipated February 2026
Invited finalists will make a 10-minute pitch presentation to the Selection Committee followed by a question-and-answer session. Full applications and the pitch are evaluated by the Selection Committee.
Award Notices
Anticipated late-February 2026
Funding decisions are confirmed by the chair of the selection committee, based on committee recommendations. Proposals may be funded as proposed or with modifications to the budget and/or project milestones. Review outcomes will be communicated to all finalists. Projects recommended for funding are subject to approval by the external sponsor.
Project Start
By April 1, 2026
Each project lasts a maximum of 12 months beginning on the project start date.