Ignition Awards

Overview

The Ignition Award Program awards funds to Boston University faculty to bridge the gap between government-funded, discovery-oriented research and the follow-on development work performed by external commercial or non-profit entities. By enabling researchers to generate relevant data, reach key milestones, develop a prototype, or test an implementation strategy the Ignition Awards will help bring raw technology and business concepts to a mature enough state where they can be either licensed, form the basis of a new company, or create a new, non-profit social enterprise.

The awards are not prizes, but are funds to accomplish specific applied research tasks. The competition is open to all Boston University faculty across all disciplines.  Competitive proposals will include a well constructed plan for advancing the technology or business concept to a stage that will attract the commercial resources necessary to bring the concept to market.  

There will be two requests for proposals each year and awards will be announced during the fall and spring semesters (key dates).  The Office of Technology Development, working with a review committee of faculty, students, senior venture capitalists, industry representatives, foundations and entrepreneurs, will select award recipients based on a thorough review that will judge the feasibility and impact of the proposed project.

Once awardees receive their award, OTD will monitor their progress and provide strategic business support to help maximize the potential for follow-on funding from the appropriate developmental sources. Awardees must agree in advance to the terms and conditions of the award. Applicants can find further information about the competition in the links on the right hand side of this page.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions or visit our FAQ page.