{"id":1054,"date":"2019-03-05T12:33:21","date_gmt":"2019-03-05T20:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.wsu.edu\/advancement\/?page_id=1054"},"modified":"2026-03-19T15:04:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T22:04:50","slug":"murdock-commercialization-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.wsu.edu\/advancement\/funding\/private-foundations\/murdock-commercialization-program\/","title":{"rendered":"M.J. Murdock Commercialization Initiation Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Purpose of Grant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To provide critical \u2018gap\u2019 funding to take a potential technology from concept to the next step in the commercialization pathway. Projects needs to be in natural sciences<\/strong>, medicine<\/strong>, and engineering<\/strong> (no games or software applications will be considered). The ideal time for submitting a proposal is when the science is solid and a feasible business plan is at hand. The goal of this program is to support the project early in the commercialization life cycle in order to enable the PI or inventor to reduce the science discovery into practice, secure IP and ownership, obtain proof of commercialization concept, and position the development toward the next round of funding. The funding should help the university and the researcher to position their project for an important next-step commercialization funding source (e.g., the SBIR). A strong business plan will be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eligible Organizations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Major Research Universities in Pacific Northwest. The M.J. Trust cannot fund<\/em> a for-profit entity like a spin-off company. Previous Murdock Commercialization recipients are ineligible to apply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One proposal per university per year. Project must be selected by the VP for Research as the priority project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The PI or inventor may request a two-year grant of up to $75,000 from the Murdock Trust, and the university is required to match at least an equal amount*. You do not need matching funds lined up at this internal competition stage \u2013 we have been able to help with this after the project is identified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Matching funds may be provided by the Office of Commercialization but this varies year to year. If the Office of Commercialization cannot provide the match, you will be required to submit a letter\/email from your department chair acknowledging your application and the matching requirements. Please contact the Office of Commercialization<\/a> to determine if the funds will be provided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The ideal time for submitting a proposal is when the science is solid, and a feasible business plan is at hand. The goal of this program is to support the project early in the commercialization life cycle to enable the PI or inventor to reduce the science discovery into practice, secure IP and ownership, obtain proof of commercialization concept and position the development toward the next round of funding. Proposals that will help move WSU technologies to either a startup or an existing company under a license within 1-3 years will be given preference. The proposals will be sent out to top-notch entrepreneurs and scientists in your field for review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deadlines & Notifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One project will be accepted per year.\u00a0The internal deadline for projects will be April 7, 2026<\/strong>.\u00a0 If selected, the proposal will be due to Support and Operations on May 25, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Contact Tami Lafrance with the Office of Foundation Relations at tamara.lafrance@wsu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pre-proposal Form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Please fill out the form below to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Murdock\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n