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SPARK FUND OVERVIEW
UARF’s Spark Fund provides resources and support to develop the proof needed to transform UA technology into a validated prototype or process that can be licensed to a scalable startup company.
What does Spark Fund provide?
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Detailed feedback to all applicants about concrete steps they can take to improve the commercial potential of their technology
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Access to mentors, experts and interns to provide detailed assessment of commercial strengths and weaknesses for those technologies selected for due diligence
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Up to $150,000 in funding per project for prototyping and testing required to prove that a technology can meet customer needs
What does an ideal Spark Fund opportunity look like?
The following is strongly encouraged if you plan to apply to Spark Fund:
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At least a provisional patent application has been filed (if not, fill out this form and submit it to eball@uakron.edu to start the process)
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Proof of concept works has been completed in the lab, but resources are still needed to, for example, fabricate a full prototype, conduct more extensive testing, and/or produce prototypes to test with potential customers
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The technology is supported by a team of at least one faculty member and one or more students
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Your team understands the potential market for your technology and has talked to real customers to confirm this solves a problem for them
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Your team has completed UA’s NSF I-Corps Sites program or I-Corps@Ohio (if not, please contact dhampu@uakron.edu to discuss enrolling in I-Corps)
What is expected of my students and I if we participate in Spark Fund?
You are the expert in your technology and your engagement is critical to supporting the success of your project:
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Regular meetings with the Spark Fund staff and your team (every 2-4 weeks)
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Responsiveness in answering both technical questions and questions about your opinion on markets and competitive products
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Honesty in communicating both technical strengths and challenges you experience throughout the process
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Willingness to engage with people with different backgrounds to more fully understand the market for your technology
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Semi-annual written reports on progress and milestones
How do I apply for Spark Fund?
The first step is to fill out a one-page Executive Summary. Details on the full process can be found here.