Early stage seed funding to de-risk research-based innovation with commercial potential

Fall 2025 GAP Funding

Applications for the Fall 2025 Funding will open on Monday, August 25, 2025. University of Iowa Faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, and scholars from the Carver College of Medicine, College of Engineering and Health Sciences colleges are eligible to apply. 

Thank you to the Carver College of Medicine for their financial support of the Innovation GAP Funding program!

Eligibility

University of Iowa Faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, and scholars from the Carver College of Medicine or Health Sciences colleges are eligible to apply.

Requirements
  • Complete the GAP Funding Proposal
  • Include a Letter of Support from your Department Chair with your submission

Available Funds
  • Up to $15,000 will be awarded for the initial milestone
  • Fall GAP Fund awardees will have the chance to pitch for up to $25,000 in additional funds during the Spring 2026 Pitch Event

Acceptable Use of Funds

***The GAP funds are intended to be used as faculty/staff of the University of Iowa, NOT for company related expenditures***

Examples of acceptable fund use:

  • Prototyping
  • Mold design
  • Software development
  • Usability studies
  • Equipment purchase (to be used primarily for GAP funded project)
  • Consultant work from outside vendor (must be registered as UI vendor)

Examples of unacceptable fund use:

  • UI employee salaries
  • Company-related purchases (ie. Website design, email accounts, legal fees, IP fees, rent, etc)
  • General lab/research supplies

*Other funding categories require prior approval before submission

Evaluation Criteria

Office of Innovation staff will rank projects based on commercial and technological viability and how likely the proposed milestones can be accomplished within the requested budget and timeline.

Spring 2026 Pitch Event
  • Spring Pitch Event hosted by the University of Iowa Office of Innovation
  • Fall 2025 GAP Awardees will be eligible to pitch
  • Four winners will receive $25,000 each to further develop their innovations
  • Pitch preparation support provided leading up to the event
  • Pitch event will be judged by both internal and external subject matter experts
  • Event date and details coming soon
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September 28, 2025

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

PI primary department
What is current SOC and what is wrong with it? (1-2 paragraphs)
Provide a brief description of technology (1-2 paragraphs).  What is the potential benefit over the standard of care? Include rationale for commercial and technological viability.
Description Budget Timeline
Describe milestone and provide an estimated budget and time to completion.
Use of Funds
*Other funding categories require prior approval before submission
What is the anticipated technology readiness level at the completion of the project?
Provide statement of support from Chair. 
 
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