CTNext recently opened the Request for Information application process for the second round of its Higher Education Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund program.
Administered by CTNext, the program seeks to fund initiatives that foster collaboration among higher education institutions and strengthen institutional capacity as it relates to innovation and entrepreneurship.
“The first phase of the Higher Education program resulted in the funding of a number of promising new programs across the state that, we are confident, will foster innovation through improved collaboration and cooperation among our higher education institutions,” said Glendowlyn Thames, executive director of CTNext. “As we begin the second round, we are eager to maintain the momentum and welcome new proposals and ideas that further expand the role higher education plays in Connecticut’s economic growth.”
Applicants can submit proposals that fit within one (or more) of the following strategic priority areas and themes:
- Mentor Network: Programs that build alumni volunteer networks with appropriate business skills capable of assisting faculty and students in developing new ventures, building business and vetting deals
- Industry Verticals: Programs that focus on technology, talent and services that fall into one or more of Connecticut’s main industry verticals, including financial services, insurance, bioscience, advanced manufacturing, digital media, aerospace, green technology, information technology and software
- Proof of Concept: Programs that fund customer discovery, market viability and idea vetting before going to market
- Talent: Programs designed to identify and retain high-caliber talent in Connecticut
The deadline for RFI submissions is Friday, March 23.
For more information and to submit an RFI, visit ctnext.com/higher-education.
About CTNext
CTNext is a resource for for entrepreneurial support in Connecticut. The goal of the program is to build a more robust community of entrepreneurs and to accelerate startup growth by providing access to talent, space, industry expertise, services, skill development, and capital to foster innovation and create jobs for people in Connecticut. CTNext launched in 2012 and has more than 2,000 members in its network. To learn more, visit www.ctnext.com.