QED Proof of Concept Program
Grant Award Opportunity - $200,000 for Select Proof-Of-Concept Projects
Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center have joined a consortium of 19 regional universities and research institutions. The program is hosted by the University City Science Center in Philadelphia. The aim of the program is to provide comprehensive guidance and development to research that is working to achieve proof-of-concept prior to the potential formation of a company. The program, QED, awards up to $200,000 in funding to winning projects.
About the QED program:
- It provides investigators with technical, business and strategic guidance as they propose R&D projects that will reveal the commercial potential of their innovations.
- Researchers are partnered with industry experts, entrepreneurs and investors provide valuable hands on mentorship.
- Winning projects, as judged by program judges, are awarded $200,000 to implement their selected projects and encourage follow-on investment from the private sector.
The QED Program is now accepting applications. Please review the forms below to participate in the current round:
This summer was the first time researchers from Penn State Hershey were able to participate in this opportunity. We are pleased to report back with an exciting update:
Within the general life sciences category, QED received a total of 40 White Papers from 11 participating research institutions. White Papers were reviewed by a panel of 15 professionals drawn from industry and the investment community. College of Medicine submitted 5 out of the 40 white papers in this category. The white paper by Joyce Tombrin-Tink entitled "Neuroprotective Proteins in the Retina" was presented the $200,000 QED Proof of Concept Award.
Within the digital health technology group, QED received a total of 16 White Papers from 9 participating research institutions. White Papers were reviewed by a panel of 10 professionals drawn from industry and the investment community. College of Medicine submitted 2 of the 16 white papers in this category. The white paper by Joe Sassani entitled "Preparation of a Universal Microsurgical Simulator for Commercialization" was accepted as a finalist.
This is a fantastic showing for our first year participating in the QED program and an excellent indication of some innovative research being conducted at Penn State College of Medicine.