BACKGROUND

WiSys Launch Grants are intended to support the further development of technologies in WiSys' portfolio.  Projects requesting support should be focused on advancing the technology readiness of the technology/innovation and should be able to be carried out in under six months.  

Prior to submitting a Launch Grant application, applicants are encouraged to first speak with their WiSys Regional Associate to learn more.

Funds can only be used for the IP generating tasks identified in the applicant's proposal and cannot be used for travel, conference or unrelated expenses without prior written approval by WiSys. WiSys will work with the applicant to review the intellectual property (IP) status as additional data is generated for incorporation into existing IP filings and/or new filings as needed. All Project Intellectual Property (Project IP) generated over the course of WiSys Launch Grant funding, shall be disclosed to and assigned to WiSys. “Project Intellectual Property” means all Copyrightable Material, Inventions, trade secrets, data, computer software (including mobile, desktop and online apps), materials, know-how and any other type of intellectual property conceived, reduced to practice, created or made in the performance of the Project. “Copyrightable Material” means any material or other property that is or may be copyrightable or otherwise protectable under Title 17 of the United States Code. “Invention” means any discovery that is or may be patentable or otherwise protectable under Title 35 of the United States Code. Project IP generated shall be disclosed to WiSys under an Invention Disclosure Form.

 A final report must be submitted not later than 6 weeks after the completion date of the project. A WiSys team member will be in touch regarding reporting requirements.  If a final report is not submitted, this may prevent the applicant’s eligibility for other funding programs offered by WiSys and/or their home campus.
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The following files will need to be downloaded, completed and uploaded to your application form:
1.   Cover Page
2.  Project Narrative Form
3.  Budget Page

For questions, please contact grants@wisys.org. 

 BACKGROUND

The WiSys Ambassador Program enhances the vital connection between WiSys and the UW regional campus. Engaging excellent students to serve as WiSys Ambassadors brings a new dimension to WiSys' outreach mission and augments WiSys’ visibility and presence among researchers and students on each of the campuses we serve. This in turn builds the culture of research and innovation on campus and provides a vital link to WiSys programs and resources. 

The WiSys Ambassador Grant Program (“Ambassador Grant”) aims to connect WiSys with the research community more directly by supporting summer research programs that engage WiSys Ambassadors. 

The Ambassador Grant is designed to help WiSys Ambassadors advance their knowledge and skills as young researchers. The Ambassador Grant provides awards up $4,500/project to hire a WiSys Ambassador for a summer research program. Funds awarded may be used for implementation and completion of short- term projects or to advance long-term projects the Ambassador(s) have been undertaking with the guidance of a faculty mentor.

A named award has been developed for the 2020 program, PPG has partnered with WiSys to support one Ambassador working on a project in the field of Chemistry or Materials Science. This student will be recognized as the “PPG WiSys Student Ambassador”. The application process for this award remains the same and the recipient will be selected by WiSys alongside other recipients that are selected for funding within the overall grant program.

General Program Details:
  

1. Eligible projects will be funded by WiSys up to $4500/project proposal; limit of one award/ambassador/call.

2. Applicants must obtain approval from their faculty mentor to apply to this program.

3. Funds can be used as salary for the WiSys Ambassador researcher and for supplies and expenses; up to $4,000 is allowed for student salary* and up to $500 is allowed for supplies and expenses. Salary for faculty will not be considered in this program. *Fringe Benefits are provided for UW System students listed in the application form. If awarded, Fringe Benefits will be covered by the GPR Fringe Benefit Pool and will be automatically transferred by UW System directly. Therefore, funds for Fringe Benefits should NOT be included in the salary requested nor should they be included within the $4,500 budget.

4. Indirect funds are not allowed in this program. Funds must be used by the end of the 2020 fall semester. 

5. Applicants must follow each campus’ internal grant submission and approval process and use the WiSys Ambassador Grant application form provided below for their project proposal. Project Proposals should not exceed 2 pages in length. Applicants should use the Proposal Narrative template provided below.

6. Applicants must have been employed for at least one semester as a WiSys Ambassador and remain in good standing to be eligible for this program.

7. Proposals will be scored based upon clarity of project milestones, development timeline, unmet need/target market, and evidence of project feasibility and/or preliminary data.

A final report must be submitted not later than 6 weeks after the completion date of the project. A WiSys team member will be in touch with successful applicants regarding reporting requirements.
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The following files will need to be downloaded, completed and uploaded to your application form:
1.  Project Narrative Form

Contact Tony Hanson at regionalassociate@wisys.org to learn more about this program.