Antonio (Tony) Goncalves ’27, College of Engineering and Computer Science, used his fall 2024 Orange Innovation Fund grant to build a prototype for his tech startup, Gymin, an IoT device to track gym equipment usage, optimizing operations for health.
Syracuse University Libraries is accepting spring applications from graduate and undergraduate students for the Orange Innovation Fund grant now through Friday, March 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. Interested applicants can access the application template online or e-mail OrangeInnovation@syr.edu to request an application package.
Grants up to $5,000 per award will be made, with a total of up to $50,000 per academic year based on the merit of applications. The Orange Innovation Fund supports student research initiatives emerging from campus innovation programs. The grant ‘concept to commercialization’ fund is designed to help move student research or scholarly projects from ideation to proof of concept to commercialization. Initial funding from the program came from a gift to the Libraries from Raj-Ann Rekhi Gill ’98, a member of the University Board of Trustees.
The program is administered through Syracuse University Libraries, in collaboration with the University’s research and commercialization programs such as the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE), the Blackstone LaunchPad, Couri Hatchery, Invent@SU, NEXIS, the Innovation Law Center, the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program at Syracuse, Intelligence ++, Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental Energy Systems, the Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering at Syracuse University (NYSTAR designated Center for Advanced Technology), the Startup Garage at the Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship, and the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Applicants can also come directly through research classes, labs or independent study programs across the University.
Student applicants must identify specific tangible needs related to the product, service or technology they are developing. Grants will support defined projects over a clear period with identified outcomes that will help move a research project or innovative venture toward proof of concept toward commercialization.
Linda Dickerson Hartsock, advisor, Strategic Initiatives, is available to help coach applicants through the process and can be scheduled for sessions on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons by emailing ldhart01@syr.edu.
An interdisciplinary team of research faculty and alumni experts will review applications. Following the review process, announcements and award letters will be made in mid-April.
Seven students teams were the Fall 2024 winners of Orange Innovation Fund awards. Nine student teams were the Spring 2024 winners of Orange Innovation Fund awards.
