Proof of Concept Faculty Grant
The TTAC Proof of Concept Grant Program empowers Tennessee Tech faculty and staff to turn their innovations into real-world solutions. Administered through the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC), this program provides targeted micro-funding to support early-stage, innovation-driven research projects within TTAC member institutions. Designed to catalyze the development of promising ideas, these grants help researchers take the first critical steps toward demonstrating commercial viability.
With awards ranging from $1,500 to $15,000, this program supports preliminary work, including prototype development, market research, early testing, and validation of novel concepts. Funding is intended to de-risk innovations and lay the groundwork for future commercialization or external funding. Priority will be given to projects that have moved beyond initial ideation and demonstrate clear potential to contribute to TTAC’s broader mission of translating academic research into real-world solutions.
Eligibility & Requirements
Who Can Apply
- Full-time Tennessee Tech faculty or staff are eligible to apply.
- While students may collaborate, the primary applicant must be the faculty or staff member who owns the technology.
Project Scope
- Projects must demonstrate strong commercial potential and align with the purpose of the grant: advancing innovation and enabling market readiness.
- Proposals should articulate how the funding will support advancement beyond the ideation phase and contribute to the innovation’s long-term potential.
- Projects must align with TTAC’s mission to support technology advancement, commercialization, and entrepreneurial activity in Tennessee.
Invention Disclosure Requirement
- Applicants must submit an invention disclosure prior to receiving grant funding.
- Access the Invention Disclosure Form here.
- Need help? Contact Michael Aikens at maikens@tntech.edu or Eli Hudson at ebhudson42@tntech.edu.
Evaluation Criteria
- Innovation & market potential: Novelty of the idea and potential for real-world application
- Project readiness: Evidence of preliminary work and a clear plan for next steps
- Milestones & feasibility: Well-defined goals achievable within the grant period
- Team & budget: Capability of the team and appropriate use of requested fund
- Catalytic impact: Potential for the funding to significantly advance commercialization or attract follow-on support
Timeline
- Applications Open: Aug. 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: Rolling basis through Jan. 15, 2026, or until funds are fully allocated
- Project Completion Deadline: June 15, 2026
- Final Report Due: June 30, 2026
How to Apply
To apply to the TTAC Proof of Concept Program, please complete the online application form here.
Before you begin, please be prepared to upload or provide the following materials:
- Project summary outlining the innovation and its potential impact
- Project timeline including major milestones and anticipated completion dates
- Detailed budget with justification of how funds will be used
- Invention disclosure confirmation filed with your institution’s tech transfer office
- Optional supporting materials, such as figures, charts, or preliminary data
Faculty Innovator Showcase
Each Spring semester, TTAC hosts the Faculty Innovator Showcase, a university-wide celebration of research and invention. This event connects faculty with industry leaders, government agencies, and internal collaborators to highlight the innovative work happening across campus.
Interested in presenting? Contact maikens@tntech.edu to express interest. Registration form coming soon.