Description: Technology Advancement Grants (TAGs) support technologies invented at USC through validation or proof-of-concept development. The awards add value to unlicensed USC owned technology, aiming to increase the probability of obtaining a license in the future. These awards are not intended to fund basic research or app development. TAGs have a competitive two-step application process comprising an initial review by USC Stevens’ staff and an external advisory board, and a final review and recommendation by a second external advisory board of industry experts. The final presentations will be held via Zoom. It is anticipated that part of the award may be spent on outside organizations that will work with the principal investigator and USC Stevens to further develop the technology. Areas of Interest: Innovations created at USC in any discipline that demonstrate strong potential for commercialization and taken to the next level through additional investment on the scale of $100,000 or less. TAG prioritizes projects that are not eligible for and which have not received funding from other USC technology advancement programs.
Award: Up to $100,000 for a project duration of no more than one year. USC Stevens has a budget of $300,000 available to fund up to 6 projects in 2022.
Eligibility: The application must be based on existing Intellectual Property (IP) developed at USC with the rights assigned to USC. The IP cannot be licensed, optioned, or subject to any third-party rights at any time during the application or review process. The principal investigator must be a USC employee eligible to serve as principal investigator, other than a term employee or visiting employee. See call for full eligibility details.
Deadline: LOI: 5 pm, Feb. 4, 2022