Ignite your innovative potential through the Vanderbilt Innovation Catalyst Fund!
The Innovation Catalyst Fund provides translational research support for Vanderbilt innovations that require proof of concept to attain commercial relevance, nascent projects that have strong innovation potential, and research projects with civic and social relevance.
The program is run by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation in consultation with Division of Finance, VUMC Office of Research, and academic leadership in Vanderbilt schools and colleges, with management provided through the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC).
All full-time faculty employed by either Vanderbilt University or VUMC are eligible to apply across all disciplines from Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Bioscience & Healthcare. Part-time faculty, students, or staff are not eligible.
Key Features
Through this fund, Vanderbilt is supporting the advancement of basic research programs with commercial potential toward productization through support for a variety of translational and commercially-oriented development efforts. This program is intended to provide:
- Expert Evaluation – peer-reviewed assessment by a committee of Vanderbilt faculty
- Accelerated Decision-Making – prompt feedback and timely decision
- Focused Translational Research – commercial potential and social impact prioritized
- Tranche-Based Funding – project funds distributed based on milestone completion
