FAU Gap Fund Program

Description and Proposal Preparation

'Gap' Funds Accelerate Commercialization of Unique FAU Inventions
FAU Gap Fund Proposal Form
FAU Gap Fund Presentation Template

Introduction

The FAU Gap Fund program, administered by Technology Transfer, is designed to support enhancements of inventions or other original works that have been previously disclosed to FAU. It funds projects that FAU researchers and other interested parties agree will quickly improve the odds that current research results will lead to public availability of a new product or service.

The FAU Research Corporation has allocated $125,000 through grants from the Florida Atlantic Research and Development Authority for a pilot program for 2006-2009 to provide competitive internal grants under this program. Additional funding has been provided by Sumpraxis, Inc., and Hold-Thyssen, Inc.  The FAU Division of Research and University Advancement are seeking additional funds to continue this program in future years.  Limited program funding is available for Fall 2009, with proposals due by 5:00 P.M., Monday, October 12, 2009.  No extensions will be granted.

FAU Gap Fund projects should reach completion within a year or less. Funded tasks will be performed under the supervision of the proposing faculty member; but may include interested third parties within or outside the University. The grants will be funded to meet agreed project objectives. Strong preference will be given to projects with regular internal checkpoints, external (financial) participation, and FAU funding requirements below $15,000.

Elements of a successful proposal

• Clear path and timeline to market
• Potential demonstrated for commercialization and market success
• Letter of support from industry and potential licensees
• Letter of commitment for external matching funds (Contractual matches must include indirect costs. Philanthropic matches cannot receive any consideration in return)

General Instructions

Proposal Eligibility

Only research or projects that have been previously disclosed to Technology Transfer and assigned an Technology Transfer case number are eligible for consideration. Please visit http://www.fau.edu/research/ott/discl-process.php for information on the invention and works disclosure process.

Applicants with more than one uncompleted (final technical and budget reports submitted) prior Gap Fund awards will not be considered.

Please note that beginning with the Fall 2009 call for proposals that a minimum of 1:1 matching funds will be required.

Proposal Preparation

Before writing a proposal, seek assistance from Mr. Kurt R. Moore, Assistant Vice President for Research and Director of Technology Transfer.

Please download and use the Gap Proposal Template for submission of your final proposal.

Proposal Submission

Proposals may be submitted at any time. They should follow the following format below, which is outlined on the Gap Proposal form.

Please download and use the Gap Proposal form for submission of your final proposal.

Submit the completed Gap Proposal Form via GrantsERA.

Submit ten (10) hard copies of all materials and one (1) disk containing a file of the proposal and attachments in either Word or PDF format directly to the Office of Technology Transfer.

Incomplete proposals or those not adhering to the guidelines will be returned to the author(s) and will not be reviewed.

Proposal Outline:

Executive Summary:

• FAU Technology Transfer case number:
• Title:
• Author/inventor(s):
• Abstract:
• Describe the task(s) that will resolve a problem, or establish a new opportunity for potential licensees.
• State an objective, work plan, and expected outcome for each task.
• Describe how these tasks advance the probability of commercial success.

Status and significance of the underlying invention or work:

• Describe its significance from the viewpoint of a potential licensee.
• Describe its key advances from the present art; e.g., published patents, registered copyrights, current products/services.
• State its current level of intellectual property protection and licensing status: e.g. copyright registration, provisional application filed, CDA/NDA/MTA to Company X, federal license issued.
• Attach a copy of the most relevant scientific publications (if applicable).

Potential for commercial success:

• Describe the current market for the envisioned product or service.
• Are there competing products/services in the market? If so, how will yours be superior?
• Describe the potential revenue stream.
• If needed, can you identify or recommend an outside evaluator for the proposal?

Objectives:

• Describe the tasks to be performed, in order of priority. The highest priority task should resolve the highest risk to licensees.
• Provide an estimate of cost and time for each objective. Use the “Budget” section to provide detailed info.

Plan:

• What method(s) will be used to accomplish each task (e.g. simulation, experiment, economic study)?
• What resources are required (e.g. personnel, skills, third-party services)?
• What results are expected?
• Show dependencies in time, outcome(s), or resources among tasks (e.g. Gantt chart).

Related work:

• Describe any significant and recent work or results related to this project, either academic or commercial.

Key personnel:

• Provide a brief statement of the qualifications of the key personnel and any consultants or third parties who have agreed to participate.
• You may attach an abbreviated resume/C.V. (four-page limit).

Equipment and facilities:

• Describe the facilities and equipment required for the project.
• Indicate how these will be obtained, if not readily and locally available.

Other sources of funding: Beginning Fall 2009 matching funds will be required

• Identify any sources of alternate, matching or additional funds or collaborative efforts for this project. You may include external, internal or departmental funds.
• List any potential licensee(s).
• Are the potential licensee(s) willing to fund part of the “gap” development costs?
• Can you complete the project if awarded less than the requested amount?

Budget:

• Follow FAU Sponsored Programs guidelines for the “Budget” section.
• Identify and justify external expenditures.
• Do not include indirect costs for the Gap Fund proposal itself, BUT, DO INCLUDE indirect costs for any matching money if from an external sponsor.
• Faculty salaries are not an eligible cost.

Deadlines:

Applications may be submitted at any time. Competitive reviews will occur at least twice a year. The deadline for proposal submissions for Fall 2009 is 5:00 P.M., Monday, October 12.  No extensions will be granted.

Evaluation, Awards and Reports:

The Technology Transfer staff will provide initial review and comments.

The Gap Review Committee (GRC), chaired by the FAU Director of Technology Transfer, and including FAU faculty/staff and outside business members with business development experience, will provide competitive review and funding recommendations. The FAU Vice President for Research will give final approval of awards.

Once funded, the faculty member (and key personnel) will report project progress and accomplishments at their scheduled checkpoints to Technology Transfer.

After project completion, a brief Final Report will be due within 30 days and a brief Annual Status Report will be required for three years to assist in evaluating the GAP program and determining its direct and indirect benefits to FAU, including new products, new companies, new services, and new related federal or other external grants.

Program Contacts:

Submit your proposal to:

Kurt R. Moore, CFRE
Assistant V.P. for Research & Director
Technology Transfer
Division of Research
777 Glades Road, ADM 232
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991
Tel: 561-297-1165
Fax: 561-297-2141
Email: kmoore34@fau.edu

Michelle C. Webb
Assistant Director
Technology Transfer
Division of Research
777 Glades Road, ADM 231
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991
Tel: 561-297-0673
Fax: 561-297-2141
Email: mwebb18@fau.edu

Eion Ramcharan, Ph.D.
Research Programs & Services Coordinator
Sponsored Programs
Division of Research
777 Glades Road, ADM 230
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991
Tel: 561-297-7233
Email: eramchar@fau.edu