Save the date: Chancellor’s Translational Research Initiative application opens Jan. 5

The Chancellor’s Translational Research Initiative will begin accepting applications starting Jan. 5, 2026. This opportunity offers up to $25,000 per project to help propel early-stage innovations toward commercialization, licensing and startup opportunities.

About the Chancellor’s Translational Research Initiative:

• Funding amount: Up to $25,000, with a four-month project period.
• Purpose: Support for licensing and startup readiness, future funding readiness and progression through UIC’s innovation pipeline.
• Eligibility: Full-time UIC faculty, staff and researchers with an invention disclosure (or commitment to generate one) through the UIC Office of Technology Management.
• Restrictions: Awarded funds cannot be used for salary (except graduate assistant/hourly student wages).

Why apply?

• Advances your project’s technology readiness level.
• Prepares innovations for future funding and commercialization.
• Often serves as a stepping stone to the Proof of Concept Awards program.

Full details — including key dates, criteria and steps — are available on the Office of Technology Management website.

Stay tuned for the formal call for applications soon.

For more information, please contact:
Tamira Davis
tdavis17@uic.edu