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Academic Innovation Catalyst

Academic Innovation Catalyst (AIC) is a non-profit organization focused on fostering academic innovation in deep technology fields, particularly Climate Tech and AI for Good. They provide early-stage funding and support to help academic innovators commercialize their discoveries.

Recorded stages
Pre Seed, Seed
Recorded regions
United States

Online destinations

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Official links

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Overview

Academic Innovation Catalyst (AIC) is an organization focused on unlocking academic innovation in deep technology fields for positive social impact. It was founded to provide early-stage, proof-of-concept grant and equity funding, along with hands-on support to academic innovators. AIC aims to facilitate the exploration of commercialization pathways for promising discoveries rather than supporting foundational research. The organization is based in the United States and collaborates with various academic institutions, particularly those classified as R1 Research Institutions.

Focus

AIC invests in academic innovators seeking to commercialize discoveries that have a positive social impact. The organization specifically targets innovations in 'Deep Tech,' which includes fundamental scientific or engineering breakthroughs across various fields such as advanced materials, quantum technologies, semiconductors, AI and machine learning, photonics, energy and climate tech, and aerospace technologies.

Support

AIC offers proof-of-concept, non-dilutive grants for market research, prototype development, and other commercialization activities. The organization provides access to legal advice, assistance in building founding teams, guidance on business plans, and support in identifying downstream funding sources.

Questions

What types of funding does AIC provide?

AIC provides proof-of-concept grants and early-stage equity investments.

How can innovators apply for funding?

Innovators can apply through the Bakar Fellows Program or the CITRIS/CDSS Innovation Fellowship and AIC Awards Program during their respective application cycles.

Check your startup’s fit

Check your startup’s fit with Academic Innovation Catalyst

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