Trask Fund The Purdue Research Foundation-managed Trask Fund is designed to assist in the commercialization of Purdue University’s intellectual property by funding research in Purdue laboratories and by funding emerging companies in the very early stages of development. Two programs exist under this fund: the Trask Technology Innovation Awards and the Trask Pre-Seed Venture Fund.
Technology Innovation Awards
The objective of this program is to support short-term projects that will enhance the value of intellectual property disclosed to the Purdue Research Foundation. The goal is to create a strong technology position for the intellectual property and increase its value to potential licensees. Awards in this program are up to $100,000 for a period of one year.
All proposals undergo dual review, which involves a peer review for science/technology quality and a technology commercialization review to assess commercial potential. Proposals to support technology development will be reviewed only after formal disclosure has been filed with the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC). A grants committee meets on a quarterly basis to review proposals submitted under this program. Following is the schedule for 2008:
Proposal Deadline – June 30, 2008
Committee Review – July 31, 2008
Trask Pre-Seed Venture Fund
Investments from the Trask Pre-Seed Venture Fund are limited to new ventures based on Purdue University technology. Investments are based on an extensive review of the business plan and license agreement with the Purdue Research Foundation. The decision to this funding also will depend upon the potential for the company to attract seed capital.
