POCsparc: Proof of Concept — short proposals to accelerate research commercialization

STTM has launched a new fund for faculty inventors, i.e. POCsparc, which supports short-term, objective-driven projects to enhance the commercial potential of UT inventions. POCsparc will award $10k or $25k for high-impact, tightly focused projects that can bridge the gap between promising invention and market-ready innovation.

 

The Process

POCsparc RFPs will be issued spring and fall each year. Applications will be selected for funding by STTM based on the value proposition for the use of the funds, i.e. validating the commercial opportunity and advancing the technology to the marketplace.

Invention Disclosure Form
SPARC Application
Application Instructions

Upon completion of the project, the PI will present the results to STTM in writing and in person. STTM encourages faculty to publish the project results and views favorably using the results as a basis for seeking additional funding though TIF, SBIR, STTR, or private capital.

Eligibility

• Proposals must be based on technologies for which an invention disclosure form (IDF) is on file at STTM and for which a Case Manager has been assigned;

• Principal investigators must be UT Brownsville, UTHSCSA, UTPA, or UTSA faculty;

• Grants from STTM will support solely projects of commercial interest.

Selection Criteria
Favorable consideration will be given to the following:

• Inventions that have the potential to become novel “core” or “platform” technologies for multiple products;

• Inventions for which a likely commercial partner has been identified;

• Inventions with the potential for significant financial return;

• Inventions that command a strong proprietary position;

• Projects likely to benefit significantly from an investment, e.g. create a working prototype or extend in vitro data to animal model studies;

• Projects with specific objectives that can be completed within six (6) months;

• Projects that are likely candidates for follow-on funding, e.g. TIF, SBIR/STRR, or VC/Angel.

For more information about POCsparc and to identify your invention as a candidate for this grant, please speak with your STTM Case Manager directly or Contact Us.