Targeted Support Grant for Technology Development (TSGTD)

Targeted Support Grant for Technology Development (TSGTD) is sponsored by MSU Innovation Center (administered by, funding source not explicitly stated but part of corporate/business funding initiatives). TSGTD provides funding for the enhancement, optimization, and/or other development of selected technologies that have commercial potential, as identified by MSUT Management and Technology Managers.

Technology Development Fund (MSU Only) - MSU Innovation Center Home » Tech Transfer & Commercialization » Translational Funding Initiatives » Technology Development Fund (MSU Only) Technology Development Fund (MSU Only) Technology Development Fund (Tech-Dev) Program The Technology Development Fund (Tech-Dev) is a strategic “gap funding” initiative designed to accelerate the development of MSU-based technologies with strong commercial potential.

Administered through a joint commitment of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRGS) and the MSU Research Foundation , the program supports MSU Technologies (MSUT) and other business units within the MSU Innovation Center .

Enhance, optimize, and advance selected technologies Increase commercial value and market responsiveness Enable MSU researchers to retain a greater share of ownership Support licensing, marketing, startup creation, and other commercialization pathways Through the TSGTD nomination and award process, MSUT Technology Managers and MSU inventors focus on the most promising commercial opportunities within the university’s IP portfolio.

Program Focus: The Tech-Dev program emphasizes validation of technologies to reduce commercialization-related risks, typically post-MTRAC milestones. Funding supports specific activities, experiments, or decision criteria that address risks identified by potential licensees, investors, partners, customers, or industry experts.

Eligibility and Proposal Scope Applicants : Open to MSU-based researchers only Technology Stage : Mid-stage technologies with IP protection in progress or secured Commercial Readiness : A clear commercial hypothesis must be in place or developed during the project Proposals must demonstrate how the work will de-risk the technology and enhance its commercial viability.

Required elements include: Technology development and validation Customer (First-Use) hypothesis Market dynamics and structure Proposed development sequence and timeline Technology Manager Support : Proposals must be endorsed and recommended by your Technology Manager. Please collaborate with them to create the proposal. Only the Technology Manager is authorized to submit the formal application.

Proposal Format : Limited to 5 pages, including a detailed cover page (see Proposal Instruction Application link below) as well as completed and signed budget request forms (Budget Justification Form and Requested Budget and Signature Form below). References and citations are not included in the page count.

MSU Tech-Dev Proposal Instructions and Application – 2025/26 (MSU Only) MSU Tech-Dev Budget Justification Form – 2025/26 (MSU Only) MSU Tech-Dev Grant Proposal: Requested Budget and Signature Form 2025/26 (MSU Only) Review Panel : Proposals are reviewed by a panel of ~5 experts representing university tech transfer, industry, startups, and technical domains.

Evaluation Criteria : Proposals are scored based on the strength of evidence and activities addressing the required evaluation metrics. The amount and duration of Tech-Dev awards vary based on the scope and complexity of the proposed project.

Typical Award Size : Generally under $50,000, supporting 2–3 key milestones Project Duration : Typically 6–12 months Matching Funds : A 25% match of the total project cost is required from the College, Department, or a third-party source Clear focus on metrics and milestones Validation of performance or deployment in specific modes, cost envelopes, or specifications informed by external stakeholders Larger Awards : May be justified with the inclusion of an external sponsored research partner who contributes funding Sequential Awards : Multiple rounds of funding are allowed for a single technology Risk Assessment Projects: In addition to full proposals, the Tech-Dev program supports small-scale Risk Assessment Projects.

These are limited-scope activities or experiments (typically under $10,000) that help inform future Tech-Dev proposals or IP decisions. Your Technology Manager must initiate these projects. Nomination & Review Process All TD projects must be nominated by MSUT Technology Managers, who are responsible for identifying technologies with strong commercial potential.

Researchers interested in participating should contact their Technology Manager to learn more about the nomination process. While projects across all categories are actively supported, there has been a growing emphasis on collaborative efforts with commercial partners, reflecting increased interest in joint development and co-investment opportunities.

Once nominated, TD grant proposals are reviewed by a committee comprised primarily of external industry and technology development professionals. Funding decisions are made based on these review results.

This rolling review process, funded continuously by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRGS), allows for timely support of high-potential projects, avoiding the delays often associated with traditional grant programs that operate on fixed RFP cycles. This approach ensures that TD funding is deployed when it has the most impact, accelerating the de-risking of technologies at critical stages of development.