TTAC Technology Maturation Grant
Accelerating University Innovation Toward Commercialization
TTAC Technology Maturation Grant
Accelerating University Innovation Toward Commercialization
The TTAC Technology Maturation Grant (TMG) provides up to $100,000 in one time funding to companies advancing TTAC affiliated technologies that have successfully demonstrated proof of concept and are ready to advance toward increased technology readiness and/or commercial deployment. As part of the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC), this program focuses on catalyzing technologies with a clear and active connection to industry. Eligible projects must be linked to an eligible Tennessee startup through a license, option agreement, sponsored research collaboration, or joint intellectual property ownership with a Launch Tennessee TTAC partner institution.
New for FY27
This funding cycle introduces several exciting updates to expand commercialization opportunities across Tennessee.
$500,000 in additional funding is available for technology maturation projects.
Continued commitment to TTAC institutions, with at least 50% of available funding awarded to technologies affiliated with TTAC member institutions.
Expanded eligibility to include Tennessee’s R1 research institutions:
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Program Objectives
Support post proof-of-concept development to reduce technical and commercial risk
Advance innovations with licensing, startup formation, or strategic partnerships
Strengthen industry engagement and market alignment for emerging technologies
Technology Maturation Grant Road Map
The Details
Who Should Apply
TMG is designed for eligible startups* that are commercializing university-developed technologies.
Applicants should have:
- A demonstrated proof of concept or validated prototype
- A formal intellectual property relationship with an eligible Tennessee research institution
- Evidence of industry interest or commercial engagement
- A defined commercialization strategy with measurable milestones
*Review the Eligibility Criteria section for Eligible Startup requirements
Funding Priorities
Competitive proposals will demonstrate the ability to:
- Advanced technology readiness
- Reduce technical or commercialization risk
- Strengthen university-industry collaboration
- Generate licensing, investment, customer validation, or startup growth opportunities
- Achieve meaningful commercialization milestones during the award period
Eligible Institutions
TTAC Member Institutions
- East Tennessee State University
- Meharry Medical College
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Tennessee State University
- Tennessee Tech University
- University of Memphis
Additional Eligible FY27 Institutions
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center
*The TMG commitment to TTAC institutions: at least 50% of available funding awarded to technologies affiliated with TTAC member institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Intellectual Property & Institutional Alignment
- Intellectual property must be assigned/associated with a TTAC Research Institution
- The technology must have at least one of the following:
- Executed a license agreement with a company
- Option agreement with a commercial entity
- Sponsored research agreement between a TTAC institution and a commercial partner
- Joint IP ownership with a TTAC institution and a commercial partner
- Engagement with affiliated Technology Transfer and/or Intellectual Property Management Office
2. Tennessee Business Requirement
- The commercial entity must be registered to do business in Tennessee and meet at least one of the following:
- At least 51% of employees are domiciled in Tennessee
- Headquarters facility qualifies under T.C.A. § 67-6-224
- The majority of senior management is domiciled in Tennessee
3. Company Eligibility
- Must be a pre-IPO small business (fewer than 500 employees)
- Publicly traded companies are ineligible
- Must demonstrate a viable pathway to commercialization
4. Technology Development Stage
- Proof of concept must already be demonstrated (e.g., bench-scale validation, initial prototype, feasibility data)
- The project must require additional work to advance toward product readiness, scale-up, regulatory preparation, or increased TRL
- The proposed work must demonstrate measurable technology readiness level (TRL) advancement
5. Commercial Potential
- Clear and credible pathway to market supported by evidence of customer need, industry interest, or early traction
- Funding will serve as a catalyst for commercialization and follow-on investment
- Must align with Launch Tennessee’s mission to support entrepreneurship and innovation
Ineligibility Criteria
Projects will be considered ineligible if they:
- Are not an eligible Tennessee startup or small business
- Do not originate from a TTAC partner institution/led by companies without direct TTAC institutional collaboration
- Request funding for non-commercialization activities, or the status of activities, or the proposed project is still in basic research (e.g., basic science, exploratory research)
- Support routine operational expenses unrelated to technology development
- Funding may not be used for company formation activities without existing IP agreements or business commitments
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated by an expert team of reviewers using a structured rubric based on the following criteria:
- Technology Merit & Feasibility: Strength of invention and development feasibility
- Commercial Potential & Market Readiness: Market need, depth of engagement and commitment from industry partners, differentiation, commercialization pathway
- Project Plan & Milestones: Clarity, feasibility, and alignment with commercialization goals
- Budget & Team Capability: Cost-effectiveness, justification of funds, and the team’s ability to execute
Application Materials
In addition to the application, applicants must submit:
- Detailed project budget & budget narrative
- Letter of interest from a potential customer or industry partner
- Commercialization plan, including defined technology maturation milestones and timeline
Award Timeline
- Fall 2026 (FY27)
- Application period opens on July 29th
- Application period closes on September 9th
- Notice of Awards issued to companies by October 23rd
- Phase I must be completed by March 30th
- Projects must be completed within 12 months
- Grant funds are released in two tranches over the project period. Initial funding is provided at award execution, with remaining funds released following a mid-project progress interview with the TTAC Technology Maturation Grant team.
Eligible TTAC Member Institutions
