Syracuse University Libraries is accepting spring 2024 applications for the Orange Innovation Fund grant through Friday, March 29. Interested applicants should plan to attend one of the information and proposal/grant writing workshops being held in early March.
Inaugural winners of the Orange Innovation Fund awards, from left: Thomas Montfort, Natasha Brao, Trustee Raj-Ann Rekhi Gill, Scott Warren, senior associate dean for research excellence, Alex Levy and Sam Schreiber
The Orange Innovation Fund supports student research initiatives emerging from campus innovation programs. The grant “concept to commercialization” fund is designed to help move graduate and undergraduate 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 Syracuse University Board of Trustees.
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 program is administered through Syracuse University Libraries, in collaboration with the University’s research and commercialization programs, including the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement, Blackstone LaunchPad, 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) 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, technology or creative work they are developing. Grants will support defined projects over a clear timeframe with identified outcomes that will help move a research project or innovative venture toward proof of concept toward commercialization.
A prerequisite to applying is attendance at one of the proposal writing workshops being offered by Linda Dickerson Hartsock, advisor, strategic initiatives Syracuse University Libraries, and former founding director of the Blackstone LaunchPad. Students should attend one of the following workshops to create a successful application:
Applications are due Friday, March 29, by 5 p.m. ET to Syracuse University Libraries. For a link to the application or to register for a workshop, please email orangeinnovation@syr.edu to indicate your interest in the program.
Following a cross-campus committee review process, announcements and award letters will be made in late April or early May.
Three student teams were the fall 2023 winners of inaugural Orange Innovation Fund awards.
