01 Purpose

The C2M program funds the translational work that moves promising WesternU innovations from the laboratory toward commercialization. Eligible technologies include therapeutics, biologics, medical devices, and software-based health tools. Grants are designed to unlock specific, near-term milestones — proof-of-concept studies, prototypes, provisional patent filings — that help turn a research asset into one that is fundable, licensable, or spin-out-ready.

02 Permitted Use of Funds

Funds may be used for research and development activities that tie directly to a commercialization milestone, including:

•  

  Proof-of-concept studies — experiments and validation work leading to a provisional patent filing.

•  

  Prototype & software development — materials, labor, and well-defined project scope for hardware or software builds.

•  

  General R&D expenses — equipment, cloud infrastructure, secure hosting, licensing fees, and related costs.

03 Application Guidelines

Eligibility

Open to all investigators with primary employment appointments at WesternU, including adjunct faculty and postdoctoral fellows.

Required Materials

1. Project Statement (1 page) — a rationale for the short-term translational objective (e.g., a proof-of-concept study) and a timetable for completion.
2. Budget Justification (1 page) — a breakdown of the requested funds. Total request must not exceed $20,000.

04 Application Review

Evaluation Process

An ad hoc Review Committee will judge the submitted applications. Finalists may be invited to present their projects directly to the committee.

Judging Criteria

• Clarity of the stated objectives and milestones.
• Scientific and technical merit of the proposed work.
• Market assessment and validation of the technology.