Securing funding for inventions often involves exploring various avenues, including grants from government agencies, private foundations, and innovation-focused organizations. Here are some potential sources of invention grants:
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs: These federal programs provide research and development funding to small businesses, including those working on innovative inventions. Various government agencies participate in these programs.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps): NSF I-Corps offers funding to support the transition of scientific discoveries and inventions into commercial ventures. It focuses on helping researchers turn their inventions into successful startups.
- Department of Defense (DoD) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program: The DoD SBIR program provides funding for small businesses to develop innovative technologies, including inventions that have potential defense applications.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs: NIH offers grants to small businesses working on biomedical and health-related inventions through these programs.
- Google Research Awards: Google provides research awards to support academic researchers working on innovative projects, including those related to computer science and technology inventions.
- Intellectual Ventures Lab Grants: Intellectual Ventures Lab offers grants to inventors and researchers working on transformative inventions. Their focus includes areas such as global health, agriculture, and energy.
- Lemelson-MIT Student Prize: This program recognizes and rewards inventors at the collegiate level. It offers cash prizes for inventions that demonstrate creativity and potential societal impact.
- Patagonia Environmental Grants: While not specifically for inventions, Patagonia provides grants for environmental initiatives. If your invention addresses environmental challenges, it might align with their grant priorities.
- Grants.gov: This online platform allows you to search for federal grants across various agencies. You can use specific keywords related to your invention to find relevant funding opportunities.
Before applying for any grants, carefully review the eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and deadlines. Additionally, consider exploring local or industry-specific grant programs that may align with your invention’s focus. Networking with fellow inventors, attending innovation conferences, and staying informed about grant opportunities can also enhance your chances of securing funding for your invention.