PIVOT Center Partners for Innovation, Ventures, Outreach & Technology

Grants

1. Ascender Grant Program
2. Other grant opportunities from the U
   • Research Incentive Seed Grant Program from The Office of the Vice President for Research
   • Sorenson Impact Foundation launched the Equitable & Resilient Recovery grant program
   • The Office of the Vice President for Research’s The Faculty Small Grant Program (FSGP)
   • Research Instrumentation Fund (RIF) Program - provides support to faculty and core facilities for new equipment purchases, or to replace/upgrade existing research equipment. The VPR Office runs two cycles of the RIF Program.
   • Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) application assistance – As a member of the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR), Won Yong Lee can help university investigators find appropriate funding sources and develop grant applications. He will help you seek and vet commercial entities to partner with U investigators. Contact Won Yong Lee.
3. State and Federal sources
   • https://www.sbir.gov
   • Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Services - The Utah Innovation Center, of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (Go Utah), provides free services to help Utah companies secure non-dilutive research and development funding. The Center also manages the Utah Technology Innovation Funding (UTIF) program that provides microgrants and nonrecourse loans.
   • https://www.grants.gov

Investments

1. University of Utah 1850 Fund PIVOT Center manages investments in companies spun out of the U through its 1850 Fund. The Fund seeks to invest in promising U of U companies from pre-seed through later rounds of investment, with a preference for investing at startup and alongside top-tier investors in subsequent rounds. The Innovation Fund does not lead investments, but seeks to syndicate with experienced investors. The amounts of investment will vary based on industry and the stage of each potential investment opportunity. For U of U spinouts to learn more about the fund, please contact investments@pivotcenter.utah.edu.
2. Other investment funds from the U
   • University Venture Fund from the Sorenson Impact Center & David Eccles School of Business
   • The David Eccles School of Business Student Investment Fund
   • Sorenson Impact Foundation Investments
   • Lassonde's Get Seeded
3. Other sources - This is an ever-growing list of opportunities, so check back often.
   • VentureCapital.org’s WeROC® (Women Entrepreneurs Realizing Opportunities for Capital)
   • Entrepreneur & Investor Life Science Summit
   • Boom StartUp PitchUp open pitch competition
   • Angel Capital Association Member Directory
   • National Venture Capital Association Members

PIVOT Center’s Pitch Prep Program

If you are looking for help preparing to pitch to investors please contact us.