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Funding Opportunities

Funding Programs

A selection of funding programs geared towards translational research are highlighted below, additional funding opportunities can be found on the Office of Sponsored Programs website.

TRANSFORM Seed Grants

As part of the TRANSFORM project awarded to Boise State through the NSF Accelerating Research Translation program. Two Seed Translational Research Projects (STRP) will be awarded each year (ten total over the next 5 years) for up to $200,000.00 in direct funding for Translational Research along one of two tracks.

Track One

Our market-oriented track will support faculty-led research projects that are oriented toward commercialization and traditional technology transfer work that identify innovations in the laboratory and move them efficiently to the marketplace (e.g. problem identification, innovation, intellectual property protection, industry collaboration, and translation through licensing or startups).

Track Two

Our community-engaged track addresses innovations in human systems, healthy ecosystems, public policymaking, and democratic governance. Faculty-led projects will partner with external organizations to better equip federal, state, local, tribal governments as well as NGOs, nonprofits and community organizations with the tools and networks to manage and respond to socio-economic and governance challenges.

For additional information, including the RFP for each track, visit Translational Research: Funding Opportunities.

Boise State NSF I-Corps

  • NSF I-Corps is a 4-week training program for researchers, staff, and students to explore the commercial potential of their technology or service.
  • Receive a $3,000 stipend and increase commercial success through assumption testing and customer discovery and establish a product-market fit.
  • Qualify for a $50,000 NSF grant.
  • For more information, cohort dates, and registration, visit Venture College: NSF I-Corps.

Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission Initiative Higher Education Research Council (IGEM-HERC)

IGEM-HERC goals are to: a) leverage the talents and expertise of Idaho’s research-active faculty and staff and the private sector to further the economic vitality of Idaho; and, b) create a platform to facilitate and accelerate the transfer of technology from Idaho’s state research institutions and into the private sector. In short, the IGEM-HERC invests in good ideas that promote economic development.

For more details and information, please view the past year’s RFP available at the IGEM-HERC website.

Proposal Tracks

  1. The Proof of Concept track is a high risk, proof of concept opportunity. Estimated length of project = 1 year. Estimated awards = 3-5. Total funds available for all awards in Track 1 = $400,00.
  2. The Initial Startup track is ideal for seed projects where a concept has been proven and developmental milestones are achievable. Estimated length of project = 1-2 years. Estimated awards = 2-4. Total funds available for all awards in Track 2 = $600,000.
  3. The Innovation track proposals are reviewed and funded by milestones, or stages, rather than as an all or nothing research project. Innovation awards are scaled as successive milestones are achieved. Estimated length of project = 2-3 years. Estimated awards = 2-5. Total funds available for all awards in Track 3 = $1,100,000.

Process and Requirements:

  • Pre-proposals must be approved by DRED. For approval, PIs must first submit a must first submit a rough draft of the required pre-proposal to preaward@boisestate.edu. The pre-proposal must be submitted using Form A: Pre-Proposal Template found in the RFP linked above.
  • Pre-proposals will be advanced to full proposal as voted by the IGEM-HERC membership.

Tentative FY26 Submission Dates:

  • October 2024 – Pre-proposal due to IGEM-HERC
  • March 2025 – Full proposal due to IGEM-HERC

Proof of Concept Gap Funding

Coming Soon.