Startup Projects

Applications accepted on a rolling basis — we will contact you after submitted.
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Program Overview

Ignite Startup Projects, one of the Ignite signature programs, provides funding via SAFE* notes to early-stage Cornell-affiliated startups to achieve proof of concept and increase opportunities for raising critical financing. Up to 7–10 projects can receive funding of up to $75,000 each year, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Eligible companies include active CTL startup licensees and members of Cornell-affiliated incubators: Praxis Center for Venture Development, Center for Life Science Ventures, REV Ithaca, Runway Startup Postdocs at Cornell Tech, and Cornell Tech’s startup studio award winners.

 

*The Ignite SAFE note is non-negotiable and is available for review prior to application. Contact the CTL Ignite program lead for more information.

 

Eligibility

Who qualifies

  • Startup companies with licenses to Cornell innovations from Ithaca, WCM, Geneva, or Cornell Tech campuses
  • Members of Praxis, Center for Life Science Ventures, REV Ithaca, Runway Startup Postdocs, or Cornell Tech startup studio award winners
  • Pre-Series A financing stage — contact Lynda Inseque if you have already raised Series A
  • Company must be incorporated as “Inc.” not “LLC”

Additional requirements

  • Previously funded Ignite Innovation Acceleration projects are eligible
  • Previously funded Startup Projects are not eligible for additional Startup Projects funding
  • All proposed projects must comply with university policies

Applications

Applications are received on an open, rolling basis through the CTL website via the InfoReady platform. We review applications for alignment, gather feedback from external reviewers evaluating the project and company, and then invite startup applicants to present to an Ignite Startup committee.

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Application Process

step one: applications

Step 1: Applications

  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis
  • Marketed to licensees and eligible incubator companies
  • Application support
step two: external advisor review

Step 2: External Advisor Review

  • Proposals reviewed by external Technology Advisors
  • External committee members with domain expertise for specific application will participate in selection
step three: committee decision

Step 3: Committee Decision

  • Applicants present to Ignite committee
  • Committee makes funding decision
  • For Prime projects, 2nd tranche decision
step 4: work and impact

Step 4: Work and Impact

  • 12-month long project
  • Progress and final reports
  • Showcase results
  • Track impact

Contact

Lynda Inseque

Lynda Inseque
Director, Technology and Venture Initiatives & Engagement

lci2@cornell.edu

Awarded Startups

Abstractive Health, Inc. Ecolectro Organic Robotics DBA Llume
Adiutrix Therapeutics Elm Ai (formerly Esger, Inc.) OWiC Technologies, Inc.
Anova Biomedical Exostellar (Formerly Exotanium) Pelex
ArcScan Graphenode Providentia Technologies
AvantGuard (formerly Halomine) HairDays (DBA SOCAi Labs) REEgen
Bactana Hawai’I Innovation Repairogen
Carbon To Stone Intermix Performance Materials reVision Therapeutics, Inc.
Conamix IonLyme (Formerly Ionica Sciences) Soctera
Dimensional Energy Katena Diagnostics (formerly Katena Oncology) TETmedical
Dynamic Boundaries Mission-Driven Tech Voltela

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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