We have provided funding and support to faculty members developing innovations with commercial potential. Please review previous awardees and consider applying.
Next Application Deadline
The Spring 2026 Pre-Application Deadline Was February 27th
To be notified of future application cycles, please contact us
Transforming Innovative Research Into Real World Impact
As a commercialization resource at TXST, BobCatalyst Proof of Concept (POC) Grants provide internal competitive funding to TXST researchers to address the gap in funding for the commercialization of research and other innovations. POC Grants will serve as a bridge to demonstrate technical feasibility and accelerate the process to either attract a commercial partner through licensing or help validate the case for establishing a startup. The primary objective of POC Grants is to support projects with a strong chance of commercial success and community impact.
Program Impact:
- Advance early-stage TXST-owned discoveries and technologies towards a commercially-relevant inflection point at which:
- A commercial partner will sponsor research or license the technology
- A startup will be positioned to attract outside funding and commercialize the innovation
- Foster a culture of innovation at TXST
Program Scope:
- Commercialization-enabling work that facilitates short-term, commercially relevant value-driven milestones
- Maximum Grant Value: $30,000
- Maximum Performance Period: 12 months
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicant is a TXST faculty member or staff researcher
- Invention Disclosure on file with OIC&E for the technology or innovation
- Patent application filed for the disclosed technology or innovation
- Customer discovery training
Application Process:
(Fall and Spring application cycles)
- Disclose Invention
- Submit Pre-Application
- Submit Full Application (if invited)
two researchers in plain clothes showing off their small device.
POC Grant Recipients