February 2024 News
SparkTank
Time: 4pm - 7pm
Location: Zinner Forum
SparkTank is the premier event for innovation at Brandeis. At this demo day, meet the startups born in the labs, dorms and classrooms of Brandeis, connect with the local innovation community, network, make friends, and support for your favorite team.
Join us as we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of the Brandeis community by checking out the pitches from our talented innovators, networking with industry professionals and connecting with each other.
The event is open to all Brandeis students and alumni, as well as members of the local community. In-person attendees can vote for their favorite startup!
Refreshments will be served.
Sign up now
Whether you're passionate about developing software solutions, designing new interfaces, advocating for public policies, or love making progress toward social good, Hacking Injustice is an opportunity to dive in and develop real-world solutions for the Boston community.
This hackathon brings together students in the Boston area to solve issues related to community health or forced displacement. Mentorship, prizes, and the chance to build your resume on real-world projects round out this social impact program. Register by February 24 to participate
Sign up now
Profiles in Innovation - Prof Timothy Hickey
Legendary computer science innovator Tim Hickey ‘77 in the development of computer algorithms, parallel processing, and groupware. He sat down with us to share his latest inventions, his experience in the Spark program, and his advice to innovators.
Listen to the podcast now
Check out the statistics on technology licensing activity for Fiscal Year 2024
Fiscal year 2024 was another banner year in technology commercialization at Brandeis. We received 57 invention disclosures, 13 patents, and supported the work of 62 Brandesians creating new technologies, products, and services. With 69 Brandeis technologies currently licensed for commercial production, the university continues to make an impact globally in biotech, materials science, high tech, and consumer goods.
View hereExternal Funding Opportunities
Another term brings the start of new funding opportunities. We have curated some of the most interesting grants, startup programs, and fellowships for innovators - for you!
As a reminder, you can find these and other funding sources in our curated Innovation Portal: https://www.brandeis.edu/innovation/resources/external-resources/external-funding-opportunites.html
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Massachusetts AI Models Innovation Challenge
Deadline: February 28, 2025
The Massachusetts AI Models Innovation Challenge is a grant program supporting the development of domain-specific AI models that drive scientific discovery, accelerate AI commercialization, or provide significant public benefits. As part of the Massachusetts AI Hub, this initiative prioritizes AI advancements in key sectors such as healthcare, life sciences, financial services, robotics, advanced manufacturing, climate tech, and education. Grants of up to $1 million are available for AI researchers and developers working on model training, fine-tuning, or adaptation. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts-based colleges, universities, and nonprofit research institutions, with collaboration from private sector partners encouraged. A 25% funding match is required.
Apply here*To apply, submit your completed application electronically to proposals@masstech.org as well as the program manager, Megan Marszalek at marszalek@masstech.org*
2025 Stu Clark New Venture Championships
Deadline: March 4, 2025
The Stu Clark New Venture Championships is one of North America’s most prestigious entrepreneurship competitions, bringing together 32 top undergraduate and graduate teams to compete for over $60,000 in cash prizes. Taking place April 25–27, 2025, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, this event provides an opportunity for students to showcase their business plans, present video pitches, and gain exposure to investors, industry leaders, and experienced judges.
Undergraduate Edition:
Open to full-time and part-time undergraduate students from all academic backgrounds, this competition allows participants to compete individually or in teams of up to five members. Each team must have the endorsement of a faculty or staff advisor. The event provides a platform for students to present innovative ideas, receive expert feedback, and connect with the entrepreneurial community.
Graduate Edition:
Graduate students, including those in MBA, PhD, and other master's programs, are eligible to compete. Teams may include undergraduate members as long as the majority of participants are at the graduate level. Like the undergraduate track, teams must have faculty or staff advisor endorsement. Competitors will present their ventures to a panel of 45+ veteran judges, including Stu Clark, and gain valuable insights and networking opportunities.
The Founder Institute
Early deadline: Mar 16, 2025
The Founder Institute Boston is a fully virtual accelerator designed to turn ideas into fundable startups and scale them into global businesses. Running from April 30 to July 24, 2025, the program provides a structured methodology, expert mentorship, and a powerful support network. Entrepreneurs join an Equity Collective, gain access to lifelong resources, and follow a rigorous, results-driven process. With less than 40% completion, the program challenges founders to refine their vision and secure funding.
Apply here
Innosphere's Life Sciences Incubator
Deadline: March 21, 2025
Innosphere’s Life Sciences Incubator is a nine-month program designed to accelerate the success of high-impact life sciences startups. Entrepreneurs gain expert mentorship, strategic business development support, investor networking, and commercialization guidance—all without giving up equity. With a powerhouse network spanning six states and partnerships with nine R1 universities, participants receive tailored support to drive innovation and economic growth. The program has a proven track record, with past cohorts securing millions in funding, creating jobs, and forming key industry partnerships.
Startups in medical devices, health tech, digital health, diagnostics, and biopharma are encouraged to apply.
Apply here
APS Innovation Fund
Deadline: The pre-proposal application will be available soon, with a May deadline.
The APS Innovation Fund supports innovative projects that address challenges in the physics community while advancing education, career development, and public engagement. The 2025 theme, Capacity Building for Education and Careers in Climate Science, focuses on expanding access to climate science education and workforce pathways. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to up to five projects, with funding lasting 18 months starting in January 2026. Eligible applicants must be APS members at any career stage, with a pre-proposal deadline in May 2025. Projects will be evaluated based on innovation, impact, feasibility, and scalability.
Apply here
Clean Energy Ventures
Application is open
The Clean Energy Ventures Application is designed for early-stage advanced energy companies seeking funding from Clean Energy Ventures and the Clean Energy Venture Group. A single application provides access to both investment networks, with all submissions undergoing a thorough review by a team of over 20 experts. Ideal candidates have innovative clean energy technologies that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strong leadership teams, and a clear path to market growth and investment returns. Investments typically support the first institutional funding round, focusing on companies headquartered in North America, Europe, and Israel.
Apply here
Fintech Sandbox- The Data Access Residency
Application is open
The Fintech Sandbox Data Access Residency offers early-stage startups access to essential financial data for testing and development. Open to startups worldwide, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Eligible applicants must be incorporated, have a dedicated leadership team, a CTO or developers capable of handling large datasets, an alpha product or demo, and annual recurring revenue below $1 million USD. Data accessed through the program is strictly for testing and cannot be used for direct commercialization.
Apply here
Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures
Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures (MSISV) is an initiative designed to support visionary early-stage founders, startups, and nonprofit organizations through two complementary accelerator programs. Participants gain access to Morgan Stanley’s extensive industry network, including bankers, financial advisors, and technology experts, alongside tailored mentorship and coaching from experienced entrepreneurs and advisors.
Two Accelerator Programs:
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The Lab – A for-profit accelerator providing early-stage startups with capital, mentorship, and resources to scale innovative solutions. Eligible startups include technology-driven companies led by founders who have faced systemic barriers to capital access or have a focus on sustainability. Startups in the Lab receive an equity investment of $250,000 (NY-based) or £250,000 (London-based), along with a five-month curated program, mentorship, office space, and networking opportunities.
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The Collaborative – A nonprofit accelerator offering grants and support to emerging organizations driving high-impact, scalable solutions. Ideal participants include nonprofits with a clear business plan and a mission aligned with sustainability and inclusive growth. Nonprofits in the Collaborative receive a $250,000 grant (Americas) or £250,000 (other regions), plus access to the same mentorship and program content as the Lab.
for more information visit: https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/inclusive-sustainable-ventures?cid=mg-vm-msivl-ve-17273