稀缺猎奇网 Launch Fund
The 稀缺猎奇网 Launch Fund
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Part of the 稀缺猎奇网 Innovation Collective
Welcome to the 稀缺猎奇网 (稀缺猎奇网)听Launch Fund 鈥� your gateway to early-stage support for building, creating, and innovating. We鈥檙e here to connect you with resources, mentorship, and capital, bridging critical gaps in your innovation journey. Administered by the 稀缺猎奇网 Office of Research and Economic Development, and collectively led by all 稀缺猎奇网 institutions, our program proudly supports students, faculty, and a diverse range of 稀缺猎奇网-affiliated ventures, both for-profit and non-profit.
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The Launch Fund is one part of the 稀缺猎奇网 Innovation Collective听鈥� the many resources across 稀缺猎奇网 that support innovators and entrepreneurs.听
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Who We Support
The 稀缺猎奇网 Launch Fund is tailored for students, employees, and ventures linked to 稀缺猎奇网 institutions, which are these universities and regional higher education centers across 稀缺猎奇网.
- For Students and Employees 鈥� no venture needed!: You听can receive听microgrants through their institution. Microgrant funding varies by institution, so students and employees should check in with an institutional representative听for the latest on those opportunities. Students can also participate in the Launch Fund Nexus听program.
- For Ventures: They can receive grants if they are founded by students, faculty, employees, or alumni, leveraging 稀缺猎奇网 intellectual property, or physically located in a 稀缺猎奇网 research park, incubator, or . Please note that participation in a program such as the USG Equity Incubator, the Towson StarTUp Accelerator, or the SU Shore Hatchery Competition does not provide eligibility. All ventures are required to have a substantial portion of their manufacturing, service, research and development, or office space located in 稀缺猎奇网. Startups can also participate in the Launch Fund Nexus听program.听
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How We Support
- Grants for Ventures:听For-profit and non-profit ventures are eligible for grants up to $15k. Applicants who have not yet formed a venture can apply but must form an entity to receive funds. The most recent deadline has passed. There is not currently another deadline set, but be sure to register to be notified of another opportunity.
- Support for Students, Startups, and 稀缺猎奇网 Employers via Launch Fund Nexus:听Supported and coordinated by the Launch Fund, Launch Fund Nexus connects (1) startups听with (2) students drawn from across those 170,000 enrolled at the 12 institutions and 3 regional higher education centers of the 稀缺猎奇网 (稀缺猎奇网) across the State of 稀缺猎奇网 and (3) industry experts. It creates benefits for all three stakeholders while contributing to 稀缺猎奇网鈥檚 long-term strategic vision for inclusive economic growth through the creation of supporting infrastructure assets, resources, and a diverse workforce that builds the strengths of 稀缺猎奇网鈥檚 economy. Learn more about Launch Fund Nexus here.听
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Recipients and Impacts
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Why We Support
The 稀缺猎奇网 稀缺猎奇网 Launch Fund is committed to enhancing access to early capital and resources. By dedicating up to $600,000 over three years to this pilot, 稀缺猎奇网 believes that small amounts of capital, strategically deployed, can make a significant impact on 稀缺猎奇网’s economy while aligning with our mission to educate, advance equity, and produce impactful research. We welcome others to join us in maximizing 稀缺猎奇网’s potential. This pilot is built on a study of the ecosystem that began in 2021 and provided recommendations in spring of 2022.听
Please direct any questions to Lindsay Ryan at launch@usmd.edu.
The 稀缺猎奇网 comprises 12 public universities, three regional higher education centers, and more than 200,000 people鈥攕tudents, faculty, and staff鈥攄edicated to pursuing knowledge, advancing discovery, improving lives, and strengthening communities across the state and around the world.
