Plans to form a new Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation Center (BBIC) within OVPR are underway. The Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Seed Grants will connect PIs and their research teams with BBIC initiatives. The seed grants, six awards of up to $100,000 per year for up to two years, aim to stimulate research in several priority areas—including biofuels, decarbonization and carbon storage/capture solution, and recycling/upcycling of waste products—and increase competitiveness for UMN researchers seeking extramural awards.
Priority will be given to proposals that include collaborations, workforce efforts, outreach and/or public engagement with companies, small businesses, startup companies, or nonprofit entities in the State of Minnesota. We are especially interested in supporting innovative and collaborative research projects with strong potential to lead to successful extramural funding. Proposers must clearly describe where and how their proposed efforts fit into these strategic goals for securing funding by leveraging the seed grant to produce results. Team-based projects that involve PIs and/or Co-PIs in different departments are especially encouraged.
Availability/Deadlines
- 12/1/23: Letter of intent due
- 12/4/23: Application opens
- 1/16/24: Lead PI submits application to approvers (by 11:59 p.m.)
- 1/19/24: Approvers submit application to OVPR (by 11:59 p.m.)
- April 2024: Award notification
- 5/1/24: Award period begins
Learn more and apply: Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Seed Grants.