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The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) has announced the opening of the 2021 WiSys Spark Grant Program, which helps faculty advance their knowledge and technology to commercialization.

WiSys Spark Grants are intended to support research projects where preliminary findings exist and are designed to demonstrate the commercial potential of a new concept, technology or invention. They also help highlight the need for and type of additional development support that would be required to take the technology closer to the marketplace.

Award:  The program provides awards of $500-$10,000 per project to faculty, academic staff or students for implementation and completion of short-term projects.  Funds can be used for supplies and expenses, salary for undergraduate student workers and salary for faculty (not to exceed 50% of project budget).

Eligibility: To be eligible for a Spark Grant, applicants must submit a new invention disclosure form describing their technology and agreeing to assign their intellectual property rights to WiSys, if funded.

Application: Complete applications will include an invention disclosure form, cover page signed by UWO’s authorized organizational representative, project narrative and budget page.  The OSP team is available to help applicants obtain signatures, draft a budget, or navigate the process.

All forms are available at http://www.wisys.org/form-bank

Deadlines:

  • Draft proposal and budget to OSP@uwosh.edu (for internal review):  Feb. 17, 2021
  • Full proposal due to WiSys:  March 1, 2021, 
  • Award announcements:  by March 19, 2021
  • Project start Date: May 1, 2021 (anticipated)
  • Project completion cate:  On or before Aug. 31

Additional information:  Additional guidance on the program and submission requirements can be found at WiSys Spark Grants Guidance 10-5-2020.docx