Concept-to-Market (C2M)
// Innovation & Industry Partnerships
Concept-to-Market
(C2M)
Competitive seed funding of $5,000–$10,000 to de-risk early-stage innovations with proof-of-concept experiments, prototype development, and market validation. Applications accepted on a rolling basis year-round.
$5K–$10K
Award Amount
3–6 mo
Project Timeline
Rolling
Submissions
4–6 wks
Review Period
// Program Purpose
Funding the Gap Between Discovery and Viability
The Concept-to-Market program funds the critical early work that transforms a promising research finding into a viable commercial concept — the work that traditional grants rarely support.
Awards are designed to help WesternU researchers answer the fundamental question every commercialization pathway requires: "Does this work outside the lab?" C2M funding bridges that gap with targeted, milestone-based support.
Important Update
An Invention Disclosure Form is no longer required to apply for C2M seed funding. Applicants are still strongly encouraged to file one in parallel. Learn about Invention Disclosures →
// Eligible Activities
What C2M Funding Can Be Used For
Awards must be directed toward activities that advance the commercial viability of your innovation.
// Application Guidelines
How to Apply
1
Prepare
Draft Your Application Package
Prepare a 2-page project narrative addressing the innovation's commercial potential, technical approach, and specific milestones to be achieved with C2M funding. Include a detailed budget with justification.
2
Submit
Submit via the Office of Research Outreach
Email your complete application package to oro@westernu.edu with the subject line "C2M Application — [Your Last Name] — [Project Title]". You will receive a confirmation within 2 business days.
3
Review
Expert Panel Review (4–6 Weeks)
Applications are reviewed by the C2M advisory panel — a cross-disciplinary group including faculty, industry representatives, and technology transfer professionals. Reviewers evaluate commercial potential, scientific feasibility, and budget appropriateness.
4
Award
Award Decision & Milestone Agreement
Successful applicants receive an award letter and execute a milestone agreement with the Office of Research Outreach. Funds are released in two tranches tied to progress reporting at the project midpoint.
// Evaluation
How Applications Are Reviewed
The C2M advisory panel scores applications across four dimensions. Understanding these criteria will help you write a stronger proposal.
| Criterion | What Reviewers Look For | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Potential | Clear articulation of the market need, target customer, and value proposition. Evidence that a viable path to market exists. | 35% |
| Scientific Feasibility | Sufficient preliminary data or scientific rationale to support the proposed approach. Realistic assessment of technical risk. | 30% |
| Budget Appropriateness | Budget is well-justified, aligned to proposed milestones, and represents responsible use of seed funding. | 20% |
| Team Qualifications | PI and team have the domain expertise and capacity to execute the proposed work within the project timeline. | 15% |
// Rolling Submissions
Ready to Move Your Discovery Closer to Market?
Applications are accepted year-round. Reach out to the Office of Research Outreach to discuss your project's fit before submitting — our team can help you put your best application forward.