Click this tab to find out more about Investing in Missouri.

About Fast Track Funding Awards

About

In 2008, the UM Office of Research and Economic Development piloted a one-time funding program designed to enhance the university’s research discoveries by moving them further down the commercialization pipeline. From the projects funded under the program, numerous patent applications and license agreements resulted, as well as the raising of more than one million dollars in research funding and investment capital. Due to this success, the Vice-President for Research and Economic Development has committed $500,000 for a second round of funding under the Fast Track program.

 Objective

The UM Office of Research and Economic Development will provide funding up to $50,000 per proposal to support prospects from each of the UM campuses. Funding under this program is to allow recipients to focus on development, testing, or prototype construction, and/or conduct specific market research.  This evaluation may lead to industry collaboration, licensing, the formation of a new company, or the abandonment of the technology for commercial application. Funds received are not to be used for basic research, but to evaluate the commercial potential of existing research.  The funding request should be the lowest cost proposal to complete the work.

 

Research Parks & Incubators

The University of Missouri System’s statewide network of research parks provides a thriving environment for discoveries to move from the laboratory to the marketplace. The atmosphere of innovation and collaboration attracts national and international tenants who create quality employment opportunities for Missouri citizens and millions of dollars of capital investment across the state.

Visit Site

Office of Intellectual Property Administration

The Office of Intellectual Property Administration (OIPA) supports the economic development mission by encouraging broad practical application of university research for the public benefit; assisting those associated with the technology transfer program with evaluating, protecting, licensing and commercializing university discoveries; and carrying out new economic development initiatives designed to create jobs in Missouri.

Visit Site

Funding Opportunities

The Office of Research and Economic Development is dedicated to commercializing university technologies - one of the biggest challenges to that mission is funding. To proactively combat the constant obstacle, the office has formulated different funding programs for faculty, students and innovations in all stages of the discovery process.

Visit Site

Office of Research & Economic Development

The Office of Research and Economic Development was established in 2005 to link research and commercialization from the four University of Missouri System campuses with emerging and existing firms across the state and around the world. Working closely with the chief research officers, chancellors and technology transfer offices from each campus, the office also serves as a conduit to local, state and federal agencies to ensure research results aid the growth of Missouri’s economy.

The Office is dedicated to advancing Missouri through innovation, investment and infrastructure.

Our enthusiasm for these three categories revolves around the development of intellectual property, funding programs and research parks and incubators. Providing support during critical stages in university inventions’ path to the marketplace stimulates Missouri’s economy, jobs and entrepreneurship.

Our vision is to enable and lead Missouri’s transformation toward a knowledge-based economy dependent upon innovation and entrepreneurship.

Contact Us

309 University Hall
Columbia MO, 65211
Phone: 573-882-6726
Email: email