Technology Commercialization

About this program

The Washington Research Foundation (WRF) provides phased technology commercialization grants to support translational research at Washington state institutions, helping advance novel technologies from discovery toward licensing, startup formation, or commercial investment. Phase 1 awards provide $10,000–$100,000 in direct costs, with additional funding available by invitation through Phases 2 and 3, up to $1 million in direct costs; Phase 1 pre-proposals are accepted on a rolling basis. Eligible applicants are employees or students of Washington state nonprofit research institutions, including faculty, postdoctoral scholars, research scientists, staff, and students, with awards made to their institutions. Projects must be beyond basic or discovery-stage research, have unlicensed associated intellectual property, and demonstrate clear commercial potential; regular faculty salary costs are not allowable.