The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF)  calls application for MSCRF Commercialization Program 2020. Stem cell research offers extraordinary promise for new medical therapies and a better understanding of debilitating human diseases, injuries, and conditions. The development of new medical strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of human diseases, injuries, and conditions through human stem cell research is a high priority for the State of Maryland.

Objective 

The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) Commercialization Program was created to foster the transition of promising technologies having significant commercial potential from Universities, where they were discovered, to the commercial sector, where they can be developed into products and services that meet identified market needs. Specifically, it is the intent of the Commercialization Program to foster the commercialization of such technologies through technology validation, market assessment, and the creation of University start-up companies in Maryland. A “University Start-up” is a company reliant on a technology licensed from a University for the commencement of its operations.

Funding 

The MSCRF is currently budgeted to commit up to $8.2 million, in aggregate, in FY 2021 to fund Grants under all of its RFAs. The number of grants awarded will depend upon the quality, size, and mix of Applications received.

Eligibilities 

Applicants for the MSCRF Commercialization Program must be a Start-up meeting the following criteria in order to be eligible for funding from the Program:

• The new start-up has licensed technology from a University or a research institute within twelve (12) months of applying for a Program award.
• If the technology has not yet been licensed, a fully executed license agreement will be required within 90 days of notification of the MSCRF award. (A copy of the license agreement will be required to receive any funds).
• An established company working on a new product or new technology that they developed or licensed in.

Application Materials 

Applications must include all of the following sections

• Header/Applicant Information (Cover page)
• Technology Description, Status, and Intellectual Property
• Application of Technology as a Product/Market Assessment
• Commercialization Pathway and Risk Assessment
• Project Description, Milestones, and Detailed Budget/Justification
• Executive Summary

Detailed information available here.