With support from The Lemelson Foundation, the NCIIA awards approximately 2 million dollars in grants annually to U.S. colleges and universities in support of technology innovation and entrepreneurship with a positive social impact. 

Students and faculty must be part of a member institution to be considered for a grant.

NCIIA Grant Programs

Advanced E-Team grants support commercial outcomes by moving technology innovations from the idea stage to prototype and eventually to market. Award amounts are up to $20,000. Annual proposal deadlines are in May and December. Learn more

Course and Program grants are awarded to colleges and universities to improve existing programs or build new programs in invention, innovation, and technology entrepreneurship. Award amounts are up to $50,000. Annual proposal deadlines are in May and December. Learn more 

Sustainable Vision funds and supports transformational educational programs where breakthrough technologies are created and commercialized for the benefit of people living in poverty in the US and abroad.

• Funding. Grant award amounts are up to $50,000. The annual proposal deadline is in October. Learn more
• Training and Mentoring. Sustainable Vision VentureLab is a 5-day highly experiential workshop designed to enhance the success of your venture.
• Faculty Development. Attend Sustainable Vision TeachingLab to expand your knowledge, teaching, and venture engagement in projects that serve emerging markets. June 13-16, 2011, Colorado State University.
  

Applying for a Grant

Questions? Contact us! We welcome the opportunity to talk with small groups of students and/or faculty via phone or skype regarding our grants programs and additional NCIIA resources. Contact a member of the grants team for more information: grants@nciia.org.

• To apply for a grant, your institution must be a member of the NCIIA. Check whether your college or university is a member or renew your membership
•  All proposals must be completed online. To start a proposal, create an account or login here.
• Preview the online proposal (coming soon!) and reporting requirements for funded grants.
• Review frequently asked questions about applying for a grant.

Additional Grants

The NCIIA provides resource and experimental grants for new initiatives that will develop into useful resources for the NCIIA community and beyond. In addition, sponsorship grants go to organizations that share similar objectives and are targeted towards events related to technology entrepreneurship. These grants are provided on a case-by-case basis, by written request sent to grants@nciia.org.