Gap funding for translational biomedical technologies

Overview

The Washington University Gap Fund is a strategic initiative designed to bridge the gap between traditional academic research and commercial application. Managed by the Office of Technology Management (OTM), the fund provides financial support for translational work that matures and de-risks promising medical, engineering, and physical science technologies developed by university researchers.

Key Features and Benefits

• Strategic Development: The fund supports activities that increase the quality and commercial value of technologies, such as proof-of-concept prototyping, in vivo studies, customer discovery, regulatory analysis, and healthcare economics assessments.
• Collaborative Support: The OTM Technology Development Team works closely with researchers to identify critical uncertainties, formulate work plans, and manage administrative tasks related to service providers and consultants.
• Flexible Funding: Awards are made in blocks of up to $55,000 for non-drug projects, with funding disbursed in tranches linked to specific milestones. There is no formal maximum award amount, and projects may be considered for multiple consecutive rounds of funding.
• Commercialization Focus: The program is agnostic regarding the commercialization pathway, supporting both new startup ventures and traditional out-licensing to established companies. It aims to make technologies sufficiently attractive to industry partners or competitive for further external investment.

Eligibility and Process

• Eligibility: Open to WashU researchers in good standing who have properly assigned their intellectual property to the university. The technology must be a non-drug innovation with demonstrated proof-of-feasibility.
• Application: Technologies presented to OTM's Domain Expert Program or Innovation Roundtable panels are automatically considered. Researchers may also submit ad hoc proposals on a rolling basis throughout the year.
• Selection:...