what we do
Funding & Competitions
The CoMotion Innovation Investments group provides gap funding for UW projects and helps startups identify and apply for commercialization funds and entrepreneurship competitions
Featured programs
Innovation Gap Fund
The Innovation Gap Fund is a partnership between CoMotion and the Washington Research Foundation to provide over $1.1 million per year of up to $50K grants to UW project teams.
CoMotion DubPitch
CoMotion holds a twice-yearly event, CoMotion DubPitch, which brings together startups and early-stage innovations from the University of Washington with investors and venture capitalists.
Funding types
CoMotion Funding Programs
CoMotion offers a number of funding opportunities for UW researchers on the path to commercialization, including DubPitch and the Commercialization Fellows Program.
Public Funding for Innovations
CoMotion connects UW innovators to federal funding programs like SBIR, STTR and NSF I-Corps as part of their commercialization strategy. We also connect UW researchers to regional programs like the Washington Research Foundation.
Competitions
CoMotion, the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship and other organizations around campus host competitions for students and startups at various stages of development throughout the year.
Other funding resources
- The UW Postdoctoral Association
Additional opportunities for postdoctoral fellows and advanced PHD candidates. - Seattle Alliance of Angels
Funding and advice for startups in the Pacific NW. - E8Angels
An investment community that accelerates the transition to a prosperous and cleaner world by investing in and fostering emerging cleantech enterprises. - Fundraising Tips (Videos)
Youtube video playlist from our Fundamentals for Startups series. - Undergrad Research Program
Funding to support undergraduate research is available through opportunities managed by the Undergraduate Research Program, other UW programs and organizations beyond campus.
FAQs
How can CoMotion assist with funding?
The Innovation Investments team within CoMotion can assist innovators to identify and apply for funding for commercialization of their UW research. The support our experienced staff provides can significantly increase your chances of success. Contact us at cmifund@uw.edu or (206) 543-3970 for more information.
Many grants, awards, and competitions are available to researchers and students. The programs are all highly competitive and UW innovators should expect to dedicate significant time to applying for these opportunities.
What is gap funding?
A funding gap exists when basic research funding is no longer appropriate and a project needs funds for product development. Many federal agencies and non-profit foundations make funds available to help technologies bridge this gap. These translational or commercialization awards provide innovators with non-dilutive funding, and allows them to maintain working ties between their spinoff and the UW research group.
What is UW Researcher’s role?
- Ownership of application
- Timely response to communication
- Attending working meetings and presentations where applicable
- Providing progress reports where applicable
What is CoMotion’s role?
- Provide guidance and advice on commercialization funding applications (note that the more lead time that is provided, the more aid CoMotion can provide)
- Provide CoMotion resources, including experienced business mentors who can help develop a defensible business model
Contact
If you have more questions feel free to reach out to us at cmifund@uw.edu or (206) 543-3970.