Program Overview (download EIG Program Overview as PDF)

To expand entrepreneurship opportunities across UMKC, the “Entrepreneurship Innovation Grants” (EIG) program was launched in 2021 with support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. With continued support from the Foundation, we are proud to again provide new opportunities for funding for technology commercialization and cross-campus entrepreneurship initiatives. Our comprehensive view of entrepreneurship promotes growth mindset, innovation, new venture creation, social impact, self-employment, and exploration of market viability for technologies.

For the 2024 EIG funding period, up to $500,000 will be allocated. We seek diversity in the nature and scope of proposals from faculty or staff in academic or other units, centers, or institutes with relevant interests in one or more of the “Proposal Categories” described below. Grants in this program will likely range from $3,000 to $75,000 per grant.

EIG Program Dates and Deadlines:

• February 1, 2024 – Grant Cycle Opens
• March 15, 2024 – Grant Applications Due
• May 3, 2024 – Notification of Recipients
• June 1, 2024 – Grant Term Begins
• August 31, 2025 – Grant term ends, final grant report due

Application Process

Interested parties will submit a grant proposal outlining the innovative concepts in one of the major categories: Technology Commercialization or Program and Professional Development.

Application Deadline

To be considered for a grant under this program, a proposal must be submitted no later than 11:59PM on Friday, March 15, 2024.

Selection Process

A Selection Committee of a diverse group of UMKC personnel will review the submitted proposals based on selection criteria for each grant category and select recipients (see Appendix A of application). If the committee has questions, grant administrators may contact the PI listed on the application. Grant administrators reserve the right to return without review if application guidelines are not followed.

Funding Restrictions

Grant funds cannot be used for the following:

• Facility and administrative (F&A) expenses
• Funding for any for-profit business venture
• Funding for further development of UMKC IP exclusively licensed to a for-profit business

Grant Recipient Requirements

Grant recipients agree to the following:

• Present about their grant project at a September 2025 EIG showcase event
• Submit a final grant report due August 31, 2025
• Grant funds must be spent during grant term – no no-cost extensions will be permitted

Grant Reapplication Requirements

Upon successful completion of a grant, prior recipients are welcome to re-apply for additional grant funding in both grant categories if the following are met:

• 75% of prior grant funds are expended by current application deadline (March 15, 2024)
• Significant progress has been demonstrated on prior grant stated outputs and outcomes
• New grant application outlines new activities that progress prior grant accomplishments
• Additional for Program and Professional Development proposals: Demonstrate a path to financial sustainability beyond EIG funding

Proposal Categories

There are two grant categories for the 2024 grant period. Technology Commercialization and Program and Professional Development. Approximately 60% of 2024 grant funding will be allocated to Technology Commercialization (category 1) and 40% to Program and Professional Development (category 2). Proposals must relate to one of the following categories:

1. Technology Commercialization (download the Technology Commercialization RFP) – Commercialization of Intellectual Property (IP) developed at UMKC by UMKC faculty. Applicants must apply for one of the following:
   1. Concept Phase ($10,000 grant over one year) – For beginning-stage technology commercialization market exploration to assess how a technology might be commercialized or licensed. Examples of activities that could be funded include:
      1. Define the potential offering
      2. Identify potential market segments
   2. Commercialization Phase (up to $75,000 grant over one year) For projects that are more developed and are moving towards commercialization or licensing implementation. Examples of activities that could be funded include:
      1. Research and invention disclosure
      2. Prior art review, patent, copyright, or trademark expenses
      3. Financial and market feasibility analysis
      4. Business model and plan development
      5. Go-to-market strategy
      6. IP marketing expenses
      7. Scalability
      8. Clinical testing and trials
      9. Collaboration on grants including SBIR/STTR, NSF, NIH, etc.
      10. Other activities that expedite commercialization or licensing

1. Program and Professional Development (download the Program and Professional Development RFP)– Faculty and staff members from any department on campus, or any combination of schools/departments, can propose ways to develop entrepreneurship, innovation, or commercialization skills.
   1. Existing course revision ($3,000 grant over one year)
      1. Substantively incorporate entrepreneurship, innovation, or commercialization education into an existing course
      2. Examples include modules, guest speakers, projects, etc.
   2. New course development ($5,000 grant over one year)
      1. Create a new course that substantively incorporates entrepreneurship, innovation, or commercialization education
      2. New course should be incorporated into an existing program
   3. Program development (up to $35,000 per year, up to two years). Examples include:
      1. Major, minor, certificate creation
      2. Community engagement in a course or program
      3. Co-curricular activities
      4. Internships
      5. Workshops, guest speakers, competitions
   4. Professional Development for Faculty, Staff, and Students (up to $20,000 over one year)
      1. Entrepreneurship, innovation, or commercialization-related conferences, meetings, workshops, etc.
      2. Professional certifications related to entrepreneurship education

Download the EIG Program Overview (PDF format)

Download the EIG Technology Commercialization RFP (PDF format)

Download the EIG Program and Professional Development RFP (PDF format) 

To submit a proposal, create a document responding to one of the RFPs. Then, fill out the form below and upload your document.

For questions regarding this program please contact the grant administration team at [email protected]