Are you working on a bold idea with the potential to create real-world impact?
The Boston University Ignition Awards are now accepting pre-proposals for the 2026 cycle. This initiative is designed to help faculty move promising ideas closer to real-world application through targeted funding, expert mentorship, and structured support.
The Ignition Awards are now part of the newly formed Faculty Entrepreneurship initiative within Technology Development. Led by Melinda Shockley, the executive director of Faculty Entrepreneurship, the program is evolving to provide a more personalized and comprehensive experience for faculty innovators across disciplines and stages of the innovation cycle.
Selected faculty-led teams receive:
- Coaching from a dedicated advisory committee with industry experts
- Advice on technical development milestones and business milestones
- Guidance to discover market fit and potential societal impact
- Opportunity to access a growing network of entrepreneurial peers and partners
Innovation does not follow a single path. Whether you’re developing a prototype, identifying a market need, or navigating next steps, the Ignition Awards can help move your work forward.
Last year’s awardees tackled challenges from reimagining battery design to cartilage regeneration, advancing innovations in drug design, targeted mRNA therapies, tissue imaging, sustainable data centers, and more. Learn more about the 2025 BU Ignition Award Winners and their projects.
Ready to Apply?
All Boston University faculty members are encouraged to submit a pre-proposal by December 1, 2025.
Learn More and Submit a Pre-Proposal