Applying for Funds
We accept proposals from any Clemson faculty member who has had interactions with CURF via the invention disclosure and patenting or copyright process for the maturation of their previously disclosed intellectual property. While postdoctoral research associates, graduate students, and undergraduate students may participate as co‐investigators, they are not eligible to submit and lead a project as the principal investigator.
CURF uses a two-step application process. A letter of intent is required in advance of submitting a full grant application. As a first step in preparing a maturation fund proposal, consult with your Technology Commercialization Officer (TCO) about your desire to participate. Your TCO will be able to provide information about the process and help you to prepare your proposal to its best advantage. Submitted proposals are evaluated by a panel of industry subject matter experts and CURF professional staff. The existing intellectual property disclosed to CURF, support from a potential industry licensee or research collaborator, a demonstrated path to commercialization, and the technical merit of the project are the primary criteria for award.