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Find similar grantsAscender Grants is sponsored by Technology Licensing Office at the University of Utah. The Ascender Grant program provides substantial funding to University of Utah researchers to bridge the gap between research discoveries and market-ready innovations.
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Technology Licensing Office at the University of Utah - Ascender Grant Available Technologies Site Search Available Technologies Site Search Guide to Commercialization 17 awards for $1. 6M awarded in fiscal year 2025 The TLO Ascender Grant program bridges the funding gap between academic research and commercialization by supporting the development and de-risking of innovative technologies.
We provide critical funding to prepare your innovations for licensing to industry partners or to attract investment for startup ventures. With 17 awards totaling $1. 6M in fiscal year 2025, this program helps University of Utah researchers transform promising technologies into market-ready solutions.
Grant Amount : Varies based on project scope and milestones Funding Model : Milestone-based disbursement Prototype development, validation testing, and scale-up activities Market research, competitive analysis, customer discovery, and business model development Technical validation, regulatory pathway assessment, and intellectual property strengthening 1.
Submit Your Application Application Requirements : Simple 3-page application including: Technology background and innovation description Development milestones and timeline Detailed budget with justification Applications undergo rigorous evaluation by: Technology Licensing Office for eligibility screening External advisory committee of 5+ reviewers, including: Entrepreneurs and investors Significance of the problem addressed Strength and innovation of the solution Competitive advantage over existing solutions Market potential and commercial viability Achievability of proposed milestones Budget reasonableness and justification Notification : Following the review committee recommendations Funding : Released by milestone achievement Progress Updates : Required before each funding tranche Project Duration : Based on approved milestones Technology has been formally disclosed to the Technology Licensing Office Technology is not currently licensed or optioned Principal Investigator is a University of Utah employee For co-owned technologies, U of U must be the commercialization lead The Technology Licensing Office continues to support funded technologies through: Marketing to potential licensees Connection to entrepreneurs and investors If you believe your technology is eligible and shows strong commercial potential, please speak with our Innovation Management team to discuss your application and receive guidance on the process.
For Phase II Ascender Grant applications (second grant for same technology), participation in the I-Corps™ ZAP program is required. We support you and your innovation. Wherever you are on your innovation journey, the Technology Licensing Office is your go-to source to connect you with the U’s innovation ecosystem.
Call 801. 581. 7792 or send us a message Technology Licensing Office 303 Chipeta Way, #14.
SLC, UT 84108 Technology Licensing Office Nondiscrimination & Accessibility LinkedIn Instagram Twitter/X Newsletter Guide to Commercialization Access Restricted to University Faculty Thank you for your interest in submitting a disclosure. Our disclosure portal is currently accessible only to university faculty members. If you are not a faculty member, please reach out to us directly.
If your invention involves collaboration with a University of Utah employee, we encourage them to submit the disclosure on behalf of your team. For further assistance, feel free to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
, 801-581-3209 Nominations are open for the 2026 Innovation Awards! View More
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: University of Utah researchers with technologies formally disclosed to TLO, remaining unlicensed, and showing clear potential for commercialization success. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows substantial funding (17 awards for $1.6M awarded in FY2025). Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Ascender Grants is funded by Technology Licensing Office at the University of Utah. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Utah. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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