Funding is key to the success of any startup.
Pre-seed funding is for developing proof-of-principle or minimum viable product (MVP) prototypes, for derisking technologies, building teams, protecting intellectual property, and preparing for future funding rounds.
Awards
Catalyst Starter Funds are for launching the earliest stage RPI startups. The Catalyst Starter Funds are competitive awards of $5,000 given to promising startups that complete the Catalyst Incubator program. Funds are awarded to the startup.
Catalyst MVP Funds are for developing “hard tech” prototypes for RPI startups. The Catalyst MVP Funds are competitive awards of up to $25,000 given to promising startups that complete the Catalyst Incubator program. Funds are awarded to the startup.
Grants
To commence in Fall 2025! For the most promising RPI startups that are at the pre-production phase and traversing the “Valley of Death,” Bridge Seed Funds of up to $100,000 will be awarded to bridge the path from MVP to pre-production. Seed round investments may also available for startups who are seeking their first round of significant financing.
RPI Faculty who are developing new technologies that show promise for translation are encouraged to apply for Faculty Translation Grants to prepare their technology for commercialization. Faculty Translation Grants are competitive awards of up to $100,000 specifically for translating promising academic research to a commercially viable technology. Priority for Faculty Translation Grants is given to “hard tech.”
Fellowships
To commence in Spring 2025! Are you an undergraduate student, graduate student, post-doc, faculty, or staff who is interested in founding your own startup? Get paid as you launch your venture! Apply for a summer Founder Fellowship and get supported during the summer while you focus on your startup. Founder Fellowship awards pay you to work as you start your company.
Undergraduates who wish to start a company during their Arch away semester are also eligible to apply.
Sabbaticals
To commence in Fall 2025! Are you a faculty member eligible to go on sabbatical? If you are approved for a 12 month sabbatical and you want to launch your own venture or work for your startup during your sabbatical, you can apply for a Faculty Sabbatical Award to supplement your salary for up to 12 months.