Department of Commerce: Programs

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Programs

Research ND

Research ND provides matching funds for the development and commercialization of products and processes through industry/research university collaborative projects. Research ND funds may be used for:

Commercialization of new technologies
Research and development of new products
Improvement of existing products or processes

Two subprograms have been developed under Research ND.

Research ND BIO for the development and commercialization of vaccines and antibodies for the prevention of, treatment of, or cure for cancer; virally infectious disease; or other pathogens, including bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi and parasites.
Fast Track was designed to allow companies dealing with unforeseen circumstances or time-sensitive projects to utilize the expertise at North Dakota research universities. Fast Track funds may be used for projects that have:
- An expected project duration of less than 1 year;
- A compelling reason to start immediately; and
- A private sector partner with a substantial presence in North Dakota or active collaboration with a North Dakota manufacturer.

Submission Deadlines
Research ND and Research ND BIO
August 19, 2016
     November 18, 2016
     February 17, 2017
     May 19, 2017

FAST Track
May be submitted at any time.

Venture Grants

The Venture Grant program is designed to help move university-developed technology into the marketplace through startup or spinout companies. The Venture Grant Program provides seed grants and matching funds to facilitate startup or spinout company’s use of university technology.

Phase I Venture Grants are intended to determine the feasibility of building a business around university technology. Acceptable uses of Venture Grant funds include:
- Analysis of the potential market
- Assessment of the technologies’ readiness
- Further advancement of technology
- Intellectual property costs
Phase II Venture Grant applications will only be accepted from individuals/groups that have successfully completed a Phase I award. Phase II provides matching funds to the research university to continue refining the technology for market. The research university’s identified private sector partner may be:
- An early stage company; or
- An individual interested in starting a business using university technology.

Submission Deadlines

Venture Grant
     August 19, 2016
     November 18, 2016
     February 17, 2017
     May 19, 2017

To access information related to program policies and applications, please visit Research ND Resources.