What are commercialization gap and seed funds?

April 1, 2021

University Relations

University research travels a long road before it can be used to improve society or the environment. Gap and seed funds play a critical role along that road. OIPC and Center ICE manage and award gap and seed funds at the University of Alaska, from the Center ICE Seed Fund to the Alaska Seed Fund.

Gap funds support very early stage commercialization activities by bridging the so-called “valley of death” between traditional grant funding and the stage when private investment is available. In the past, OIPC and Center ICE have co-administered the Alaska Seed Fund, which has supported startups like The Launch Company, founded by UAF alumnus Ben Kellie.

“Like our customers building the next generation of rockets, The Launch Company needs to move fast and remain lean to compete in the national marketplace," Kellie said. "We are excited to use this award to procure new equipment needed to scale our operations.”

Seed funds, on the other hand, support early stage development of technologies that have commercial potential. Researchers use seed funds to develop a kernel of an idea and unlock additional funding sources, such as grants or private investment. OIPC and Center ICE manage the Center ICE Seed Fund, which has supported UA researchers like Bahareh Barati, who went on to win Small Business Innovation Research and Innovation Corps funds to further develop her idea toward commercial adoption.

To learn more or to inquire about applying for gap or seed funding, reach out to OIPC and Center ICE at uaf-oipc@alaska.edu.