Early Stage Innovation Fund is sponsored by Georgia Research Alliance. The Early Stage Innovation Fund supports startups developing new technology in Georgia, providing early capital to companies commercializing university research or solving real-world problems. It also includes technical guidance.

Georgia Research Alliance Grant Funding - Office of Research Georgia Research Alliance Grant Funding Intellectual Property Development Georgia Research Alliance Grant Funding Intellectual Property Development Quick Start License Program Georgia Research Alliance Grant Funding Georgia Research Alliance The Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) Innovation & Entrepreneurship program is both proactive and responsive, helping universities spot the opportunity (i.e., identify discoveries and inventions that have market potential), then inviting researchers to apply for funding support.

The GRA provides preliminary Phase I grants (up to $50K) at the earliest stages of technology development, coinciding with an initial invention disclosure. Phase I grants are awarded in two installments (1A and 1B) based on milestones reached. You do not need to have an incorporated company to apply for Phase 1 grants.

Activities undertaken in Phase I typically include: Verifying the need for your proposed technology or product Confirming the performance of your technology or product (through technical assessment Investigating intellectual property for your project Assessing regulatory and reimbursement strategies, as appropriate.

To qualify for GRA funding your project must include IP owned by the university and must be focused on creating a Georgia-based startup. Proposals are submitted to GRA directly by AVP for Innovation and Commercialization. Please contact Interim Associate Vice President for Innovation and Commercialization and Director of Intellectual Property Development Chris Cornelison for more information.

GRA also provides Phase II grants (up to $100k) to spur the formation of companies. These grants require a dollar-for-dollar match from a commercially relevant entity