Vanderbilt announces ‘Innovation Catalyst Fund’
Designed to bridge the gap between academic research and translational innovations, the fund empowers faculty to refine and test ideas with a focus on market viability and societal benefit.
Vanderbilt University has launched its newest internal funding initiative, the “Innovation Catalyst Fund.” Sponsored by Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver, and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Information Technology Brett Sweet, the application portal opened on October 1 and will remain open for submissions until the first cycle proposal deadline on October 31.
“Innovation means going where others haven’t been brave enough to go yet. We are giving our faculty the opportunity to think even bigger and reach even higher when it comes to turning their world-class research and expertise into courageous, interdisciplinary discovery,” Diermeier said. “Radical collaboration is at the forefront of this new fund—we want our faculty to be radical and ambitious in their ideas, their goals, and the potential societal solutions.”
Designed to bridge the gap between academic research and translational innovations, the fund empowers faculty to refine and test ideas with a focus on market viability and societal benefit. This includes support for early-stage commercialization and projects addressing urgent civic and societal issues.
“This fund empowers our faculty to become strategic risk-takers as they lead transformative translational research and innovation,” Raver said. “We believe in nurturing bold ideas that have profound economic and social impacts. Every applicant will receive invaluable feedback and guidance, to support the success of their innovative projects.”
The application portal, available at this link, welcomes proposals from all disciplines, schools, and colleges within Vanderbilt University and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Future application cycles for 2024 are scheduled for February, June and October.
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