Syracuse University graduate and undergraduate students can apply for the Fall 2025 round of Orange Innovation Fund grants now through Oct. 10 at midnight. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF to OrangeInnovation@syr.edu and must follow the template which can be found on https://library.syracuse.edu/commercialization-and-funding/. Interested applicants can also e-mail OrangeInnovation@syr.edu to request an application package, information about an upcoming proposal writing workshop and full application guidelines.
Sawyer Tardie, a junior in the Whitman School of Management and vice president of the E-Club, works with Orange Innovation Fund startups in the Libraries.
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 excellence in research, scholarship, student experiential learning and innovation by helping students from all academic disciplines move their entrepreneurial and scholarly projects into testing, working prototypes, proof of concept and commercialization. Funding for the program came from a gift to the Libraries from Raj-Ann Rekhi Gill ’98, a member of the University’s Board of Trustees.
Applicants can come directly through research classes, labs or independent study programs across the University. Teams must be led by Syracuse University students, and proposals should reflect independent student research rather than faculty-driven projects.
Student applicants must identify specific tangible needs related to the product, service or technology they are developing. Proposals can be for hardware and software products, new technologies, digital platforms or civic impact ventures. 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 and commercialization.
Students interested in applying are strongly encouraged to attend a proposal writing workshop on Zoom on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. The sessions will be led by Linda Dickerson Hartsock, advisor for strategic initiatives at the Libraries. The workshop provides practical guidance on shaping a proposal and tips that could also be applicable to future public, private or foundation funding opportunities.
An interdisciplinary team of research faculty and alumni experts will review applications. Following the review process, announcements and award letters will be made at the end of the semester.
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.
