Grants to Help Develop Your Inventions and Prototypes
Did you know that there are grants to help develop inventions and prototypes? If you’re an inventor, you know that getting funding before you have a working prototype is tough. Investors want to see proof; something tangible that demonstrates how your invention functions, looks, and scales. A well-crafted prototype shows not just design and mechanics but also marketability and customer interaction. Most inventors turn to angel investors or venture capitalists (VCs) for funding, but without a prototype, securing investment is rare. This leaves many inventors wondering: How do you fund the crucial step of building a prototype? The simple answer is grant funding.
Fortunately, new grant funding opportunities for inventors are always emerging on GrantWatch. The right grant can be a real game-changer for inventors, but there are a few things to know. Eligibility typically depends on industry, location, and the potential impact of your invention. Funders often seek projects that drive social or environmental progress, and competition for grants can be fierce. To that end, the team, here at GrantWatch, has curated a list of diverse grants for you to peruse. And don’t forget, the database has several business categories that may prove useful in your search for funding. Categories like Entrepreneurs and Startups, Business, and Small Business are all excellent places to start. However, also bear in mind that any category that GrantWatch lists for our subscribers may also contain grants for inventions and prototypes, so don’t forget our easy to use filters and keyword searches. Happy hunting!
Grants to Help Develop Your Inventions and Prototypes
Development of Technological Innovations
Grants and in-kind services to USA and territories colleges and universities to assist students in the development of technological innovations with market potential. Funding supports engineering or science-based innovations that have a positive impact on the world, are commercially promising, and are scalable. Funds, training, immersive workshops, and specialized coaching are provided to student innovators and entrepreneurs to help move their inventions into the marketplace.
Grants for Development of Working Prototypes
Grants to Virginia IHEs and research institutions for technology and market research in eligible industries. Tier 2 grants provide funding up to $200,000 to support the development of a working prototype that aligns with market and/or customer needs (TRL 4-6). Lean startup or other similar training that includes in-depth customer discovery, business model validation, and team development is required before or during the CCF project’s period of performance.
Inventors to Achieve Professional Success
Grants of $25,000 and in-kind support to small technology start-ups for capacity building assistance, including prototype development. The program offers professional, ongoing mentoring and targeted projects to help emerging companies succeed.
Start-Up or Small Business Expansion
Grants to entrepreneurs for assistance in expanding a small business or funding a start-up. Funding is intended to support new and expanding business ventures with non-repayable grants.
Individuals to Assist People Living in Poverty
Grants to USA, Canada, and International private, public, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations, government agencies, IHEs, faith-based organizations, NGOs, and individuals to improve the lives of people living in poverty.
Funding and In-Kind Support
Opportunity for start-up companies to participate in a business development program, qualify for funding, and receive in-kind mentoring and business development consulting services. The program is designed to help startups by providing free coaching services, tools, and resources.
Technology and Market Research
Grants to IHEs and research institutions for technology and market research in eligible industries. Funding is intended to help applicants reach critical milestones in the commercialization process. Applicants may use funds for a range of early technology and market validation efforts.
Participate in an Accelerator Program
Opportunity for entrepreneurs to participate in an accelerator program. Applicants from the following types of companies are invited to apply: agriculture, smart city, fintech, education and talent, enterprise software and services, healthcare, food and beverage, and commerce (retail and consumer tech).
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