SyracuseCoE invites proposals from current Partners to its Innovation Fund for projects up to $10,000. The Innovation Fund is supported with funding from SyracuseCoE Partners and is designed to support Partners’ efforts to overcome barriers to the commercialization of potentially transformative innovations. Projects must be aligned with commercialization of innovative products/technologies and focused on one or more of SyracuseCoE’s three core areas:

  • Indoor Environmental Quality and Building Energy Efficiency
  • Clean & Renewable Energy
  • Water Resources

Award Information 

Type of Award: Fixed cost agreement – milestone based

Total 2015 Funds Available: $90,000

Funding Rounds in 2015: 2

Anticipated Number of Awards:  Up to total of 9 awards in 2015

Maximum Award: $10,000

Project Duration: Up to nine months

Eligibility Information 

Eligibility for awards is extended to all current members of the SyracuseCoE Partner Program. Proposals may include collaborations with non-Partner Program firms and academic partners; however, proposals must be submitted and led by members of the SyracuseCoE Partner Program.

Budget, Payment, and Match Requirements

Applicants must include a budget signed by an authorized company official, a template for which is provided below. Matching funds are encouraged as either cash or in-kind; while not required, the strength of a proposed match is included among selection criteria. Funding from federal, state, and foundation sources may be used to support a portion of matching funds; awards administered by SyracuseCoE may not be used as match. Applications must include a budget that clearly defines uses of funds, as well as verifiable sources of match, if included. Proposals must also include milestones for payment of requested funds.

Application Information and Timeline 

Applications may be submitted online – see “Application” link at top of page – and must include an uploaded project narrative and a signed budget; template documents are provided below.

Two rounds of funding are expected in 2015, with deadlines as follow:

Round 1 deadline: April 15, 2015

Round 2 deadline: October 1, 2015

Proposals will be reviewed based on the following selection criteria:

  • Technical merit, based on sound engineering and/or scientific principles
  • Impact in SyracuseCoE areas of focus
  • Extent to which the proposed technology or process is innovative and has the potential to advance the state-of-the-art
  • Extent to which proposal moves technology toward commercialization
  • Expected economic outcomes, , such as potential revenue, jobs created/retained, etc.
  • Clearly articulated project timeline, including appropriate milestones
  • Justified and reasonable budget plan, including strength of proposed match, if applicable
  • Qualifications and strength of project team

After an initial review by staff, selected applicants will be invited to participate in a proposal pitch to a panel of judges, which may include members of the SyracuseCoE Industry Partners Council, SyracuseCoE staff and others. Funding decisions may be expected shortly thereafter.

In all cases, the review process will be conducted under the oversight of the Executive Director of SyracuseCoE with staff support.

Invoicing

Invoices will be submitted upon completion of pre-approved milestones. A progress report must accompany each invoice.

Reporting Requirements 

Progress reports to be submitted with invoices will be reviewed and approved by SyracuseCoE staff prior to payment. Award recipients will be surveyed annually by SyracuseCoE staff for information on outcomes related to the project.

Program Contact

Tammy Rosanio

Assoc. Director for Partner Programs, SyracuseCoE

315.443.3433

tlrosani@syr.edu