Get Started with the Sprout Program
The 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:
- Further develop a prototype,
- Gather additional data to demonstrate proof of concept, or
- 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
Jun 16, 2025: Anticipated pitch date
Jun 20, 2025: Award announcement
Jul 1, 2025: Sprout funding begins
FAQ
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The Sprout Program supports translational research at Brandeis University that has the potential to address real-world challenges through scientific and technological innovation. The Brandeis Principal Investigator Eligibility Policy governs PI eligibility. Projects may span a wide range of disciplines and typically involve early-stage development that bridges the gap between academic research and commercial or societal application.
Examples of eligible areas include, but are not limited to: development of novel therapeutics or diagnostics, engineered materials, advanced computing or data-driven technologies, renewable energy solutions, and other forms of deep technology.
Sprout awards are designed to fund focused, milestone-driven projects. All funded work will be governed by the
Brandeis University Intellectual Property Policy, and the university will retain ownership of resulting intellectual property in accordance with this policy.
The Sprout Grant program supports Brandeis faculty in translating innovative research into real-world applications. The application process consists of two stages:
- Written Proposal (3–4 pages): Applicants submit a concise proposal outlining the problem, solution, impact, and development plan.
- Final Pitch: Selected finalists will be invited to present their proposals to a panel of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.
Finalists receive individualized coaching and participate in group mentoring sessions to refine their proposals and prepare for the pitch presentation. This process is designed to strengthen commercialization readiness and enhance funding potential.
Final proposals submitted to the Sprout Program will be reviewed by a panel of independent external advisors, including industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Problem Definition
The proposal clearly identifies a compelling problem or unmet need and articulates its significance.
- Technical Merit
The proposed solution is innovative, well-conceived, and demonstrates strong scientific or technical foundations.
- Commercial Potential
The application demonstrates a vision for the technology's future impact, including a preliminary assessment of the potential target market and competitive advantages.
- Feasibility & Milestones
The proposed work is appropriately scoped for the available funding and time frame, with well-defined milestones or inflection points that demonstrate progress toward commercialization.
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
