The Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund supports a set of activities designed to spur technology development and commercialization across New York State. The Fund was launched in December 2016 and is named for Jeff Lawrence, a champion of the New York manufacturing and entrepreneurial communities. The Innovation Fund comprises of three program tracks: Manufacturing Grants, an annual Commercialization Competition and Innovation Challenges.
The February funding cycle of the Manufacturing Grants is open through February 28th on the FuzeHub website at www.fuzehub.com/manufacturing-grants/. The Manufacturing Grants are designed to encourage collaboration between not-for-profit organizations and companies that work within the manufacturing industry in New York State. The grants serve as a resource to help small to medium-sized manufacturing and technology companies achieve success from early-stage, proof of concept through maturity. The partnership created between the not-for-profit organization and the industry partner serves as a pathway for technology transfer, adoption and implementation of new manufacturing processes as well as the creation of enhanced products and services.
As you prepare to submit an application, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- FuzeHub does not have any prior knowledge of the not-for-profits that are considering the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund at any given time and universities/colleges may already be in discussion with companies who are interested in pursuing a FuzeHub grant. Applicants are encouraged to allow sufficient time to confirm that the university/college has space to accommodate an application request.
- If an applicant is required to have matching funds, the employee count is based on the size of the total number of staff members at all companies involved. The not-for-profit lead applicant is not considered in determining the number of employees.
- FuzeHub requires you to upload a two-page project description to the online application form. Use the Project Description document to elaborate/expand on what you have provided in the application form. Yes, some of the same material is relevant in both sections, however, this is an opportunity to provide more details. Take advantage of this space and avoid the urge to cut-and-paste.
- Use the “additional notes” section in the Project Budget Template spreadsheet. This section allows for the applicant to clearly explain any costs that might appear ineligible; and/or to explain any out-of-state costs that are included in the budget. Applicants may provide justification for costs within any of the categories presented in the budget.
- Make sure you have submitted the correct forms and that your materials are for the FuzeHub Manufacturing Grant. New this year, you can submit a PDF version of the Project Budget Template- so all of the required documents can be submitted as PDF’s.
- The next application period is May 1- May 31, 2019. If an application is unsuccessful in the February funding cycle, applicants are eligible to submit for the May application period.
- If you are uncertain of your eligibility or have additional questions beyond the FAQ document, please reach out to the Fund Manager at [email protected].
The Manufacturing Grants will close promptly at 4:00PM on Thursday, February 28, 2019.