Money is never free, but in this case, it’s available for faculty who seek funding and expertise to commercialize their research.

The University of Iowa Research Foundation is accepting applications for its Commercialization Gap Fund. Awards range from $10,000 to $75,000. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1.

The funds are intended to support various stages in technology development, from initial concept through proof of concept, to licensing and commercialization. Existing industry connections are not a prerequisite for funding; however, all projects should have a clear commercial benefit or potential benefit for the state of Iowa, according to Paul Dymerski, the program’s administrator.

Areas being considered include:

• Medical devices, surgical tools
• Diagnostics, imaging, and therapeutics
• Software applications in all areas

As proposals are received, a market analysis will be performed to pre-screen for commercial viability. These results will be added to the proposal for the review committee.

Innovations are expected to be licensed to industry or new spin-out ventures. The Iowa Centers for Enterprise manages the patenting, marketing, and licensing of UI technologies. It also has a new ventures program to assist inventors who wish to participate in developing a venture to bring their intellectual property to market.

For more information: research.uiowa.edu/ovpr/ice-commercialization-gap-fund-program-2012.