Brandeis Innovation

Get Started with the Sprout Program

sprout logoThe Sprout program empowers Brandeis University researchers to translate innovative research into real-world applications. Sprout funds 2-3 grants from a $100,000 pool. The awards are intended to help identify and promote research with the potential to be commercialized in the near-term timeframe or have an immediate impact on society.

Awards could be used to:

  1. Further develop a prototype,
  2. Gather additional data to demonstrate proof of concept, or
  3. Obtain data to compare the technology to existing technologies and show its competitive advantages.

Sprout Awards are designed to fund small, rapidly accomplishable projects that will enable researchers to obtain further funding for additional proof of concept or commercialization. Click here to see our past awardees and project summaries.

Key Dates

May 30, 2025: Proposal due

Jun 16, 2025: Anticipated pitch date

Jun 20, 2025: Award announcement

Jul 1, 2025: Sprout funding begins

The 2025 Sprout Program is open now! APPLY HERE

 

FAQ

Benefits of Sprout:

  • Funding from a pool of $100,000 
  • Industry-leading mentorship program to help you get your idea off the ground 
  • Market analysis conducted by the Brandeis Innovation team, with a customized report for your technology
  • Opportunities to connect with industry colleagues and organizations 
  • Potential opportunity to participate in the NSF-sponsored MIT New England I-Corps Hub

 

“It’s not just about the funding. It’s about all the opportunities that arise from participating in SPROUT”

Prof. Michael Rosbash, 2018 SPROUT PI, Nobel Laureate