National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc
National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc, known as VentureWell, is a public charity based in Hadley, Massachusetts. It supports invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship connected to higher education, including student innovators, faculty initiatives, and networks that strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship.
Key facts about National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc
In short: National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc gave $38.4M across 69 grants in 2025 (avg $556K), top state California. 76% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 42-1727335
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $38,385,101
- Grants made (2025)
- 69
- Average grant
- $556,306
- Median grant
- $25,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 76% first-time grantees (50 of 66, 2025)
- Total assets
- $89,478,799
- Primary geography
- California (20% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The E-Team FAQ directs applicants to program guidelines for complete information. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$89.5M
+32.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$38.4M
+1949.7% YoY
Grant Count
69
+38.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$556K
+1385.3% YoY
Is National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc open to new grantees?
76%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 50 of 66 grantees (76%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $730K; repeat grants $118K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $25K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
VentureWell says its mission is to cultivate inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs who address major challenges and create lasting impact. It also describes fostering collaboration among researchers, educators, students, and others to advance innovation and entrepreneurship education.
Its programs include support for early-stage science and engineering innovations intended to benefit people or the planet and reach the market, as well as initiatives that help faculty and higher education stakeholders develop STEM innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems. VentureWell’s website says its E-Team grants go to U.S.-based colleges and universities, not directly to individuals or ventures.
Grantees in 2025 included research institutions, universities, and companies. Children’s Research Institute describes its work as translational and clinical medical research and education focused on childhood diseases. Charles Stark Draper Laboratory describes its work as developing technology solutions to difficult problems. Harvard describes its work as education and research across academic domains.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, VentureWell reported 69 grants totaling $38,385,101. Grant amounts ranged from $7,980 to $4,000,000, with a median of $25,000. The largest awards included $4,000,000 to Gameto Inc, $3,500,000 each to Aspira Women’s Health Inc and Dar Bioscience Inc, and $3,139,210 to the University of Iowa. These grants were listed for the ARPA-H Sprint for Women’s Health Award. Fieldbook Studio LLC received $2,300,000 for “Fieldbook Studios.”
The website describes the E-Team Program as supporting science- and engineering-based innovations intended to benefit people or the planet and reach the market. Its FAQ says grants are awarded to U.S.-based colleges and universities, and that student teams must be actively enrolled at the beginning of the grant period. The Pioneer guidelines specify a $5,000 grant for eligible student-led teams and describe an accompanying training workshop; the guidelines provided are for a past Summer 2025 cycle.
How to Apply
The E-Team FAQ directs applicants to program guidelines for complete information. The Pioneer guidelines require a U.S.-based team of at least two active students, with funds awarded to the institution rather than directly to the team or venture.
Ready to take the next step with National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 grants were distributed across recipient states, with California and Texas each accounting for 20% of grant dollars, Massachusetts 15%, an individual recipient 12%, and Iowa 8%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 69 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.6M (2022) to $38.4M (2025). In 2025 it made 69 grants totaling $38.4M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Gameto Inc ($4.0M). Together the top 10 received $26.7M.
Organizations only. It also paid 4 grants to individuals ($70,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
384 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 341 grants of 384 (89%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Gameto Inc Austin, TX | ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health Award | $4,000,000 |
| Aspira Women's Health Inc Austin, TX | ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health Award | $3,500,000 |
| Dar Bioscience Inc San Diego, CA | ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health Award | $3,500,000 |
| University of Iowa Iowa City, IA | ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health Award | $3,139,210 |
| Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Inc Boston, MA | ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health Award | $2,951,004 |
| Children's Research Institute Washington, DC | ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health Award | $2,658,940 |
| Fieldbook Studio LLC Indianapolis, IN | Fieldbook Studios | $2,300,000 |
| Ancilia Biosciences Inc New York, NY | ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health award | $1,700,000 |
| Celmatix Inc New York, NY | ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health Award | $1,580,000 |
| Nura Health Inc Los Angeles, CA | ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health Award | $1,353,073 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grant total | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $89,478,799 | $106,240,932 | $105,304,649 | $38,385,101 | 69 |
| 2024 | $67,322,326 | $116,586,489 | $110,811,872 | $1,872,748 | 50 |
| 2023 | $53,617,163 | $93,331,215 | $89,870,589 | $1,754,268 | 71 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $89,478,799 | $67,322,326 | $53,617,163 |
| Revenue | $106,240,932 | $116,586,489 | $93,331,215 |
| Expenses | $105,304,649 | $110,811,872 | $89,870,589 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,935,578 | $1,088,852 | $106,610 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS April 22, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 6, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 29, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 21, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 3, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 10, 2023)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 24, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Todd Warren as chair, Michael Marasco as treasurer, and Carol Dahl as secretary. Directors listed are Gilda Barabino, Abigail Barrow, Dedric Carter, Monica Dean, Jos Estabil, Randy Lewis, and Josh Makower.
National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc is led by Philip Weilerstein, President since 2025 (on filings since 2019); 8 of 23 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Philip Weilerstein
President
President → President & CEO, 2023
President & CEO → President, 2025
On filings since 2019
35 hrs/week
$278K (2019) → $388K (2025)
Todd Warren
Chair
Secretary → Treasurer, 2023
Treasurer → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Abigail Barrow
Director
Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gilda Barabino
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Youseph Yazdi
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jos Estabil
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Randy Lewis
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Monica Dean
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rodney Priestley
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dedric Carter
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Josh Makower
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Desrosiers
Vice President, Finance & Administrati
Vice President, Finance, Administrator & Assistant Secretary → Vice President, Finance & Administrator, 2024
Vice President, Finance & Administrator → Vice President, Finance & Administrati, 2025
On filings since 2019
35 hrs/week
$128K (2019) → $250K (2025)
Mark Marino
Vice President, Growth Strategy & Development
Vice President, Growth Strategy & Development → Vice President & Growth Strategy, 2024
Vice President & Growth Strategy → Vice President, Growth Strategy & Development, 2025
On filings since 2022
35 hrs/week
$164K (2022) → $267K (2025)
Ursa Scherer
Vice President, People & Culture
On filings since 2022
35 hrs/week
$141K (2022) → $225K (2025)
Demetria Gallagher
Vice President & Higher Education Innovation Ecosystems
Vice President & Higher Education Innovation → Vice President & Higher Executive Director Innov. Ecosystems, 2024
Vice President & Higher Executive Director Innov. Ecosystems → Vice President & Higher Education Innovation Ecosystems, 2025
On filings since 2023
35 hrs/week
$193K (2023) → $238K (2025)
Christina Tamer
Vice President & Ventures
On filings since 2024
35 hrs/week
$190K (2024) → $216K (2025)
Rebekah Neal
Vice President & Commercialization
On filings since 2024
35 hrs/week
$176K (2024) → $216K (2025)
Oneida Vicky Harris
Vice President, Enterprise & Shared Services
New on the 2025 filing
35 hrs/week
$214K (2025)
Donna Petkanics
Emeritus Board Member
Director → Emeritus Board Member, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Marasco
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paul Yock
Emeritus Board Member
Director → Emeritus Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carol Dahl
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jerry Engel
Emeritus Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (14)
- Former: Jennifer Holme (2019–2024) — Chief of Staff & Assistant Secretary
- Former: Mike Malone (2023–2024) — Emeritus Board Member
- Former: Mike Marasco (2023–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Laura Sampath (2019–2023) — Vice President & Programs
- Former: Jason Owens (2023) — Vice President, Info & Data Systems
- Former: Michael Malone (2019–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Jerome Engel (2021–2022) — Emeritus Board Member
- Former: Allison McDonald (2022) — Director, Marketing & Communications
- Former: Eliseo Velasquez (2019–2021) — Director & Venture Development
- Former: Heath Naquin (2019–2021) — Senior Global & Gov't Liaison Officer
- Former: Cynthia Gilbert (2021) — Director & Programs
- Former: Dorn Carranza (2019–2020) — Director, Innovation & Individual
- Former: Debby Hopkins (2019) — Director
- Former: Kt Moortgat (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $388K, to Philip Weilerstein (President). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 100 Venture Way, Hadley, MA 01035
Phone: (413) 587-2172
Frequently asked questions about National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc
How much does National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc give each year?
National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc gave $38.4M across 69 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.9M across 50 grants.
What is National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc's typical grant size?
National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc's median grant in 2025 was $25,000, and its average grant was $556,306, across 69 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc that year got $730K on average.
Where does National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc give grants?
National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc's top state is California, with 20% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Texas (20%) and Massachusetts (15%). The most frequent recipient cities were Austin, TX (3 grants), Boston, MA (3 grants), New York, NY (3 grants) and Los Angeles, CA (3 grants).
Does National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 69 grants with a stated purpose on National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health award" (19 grants) and "Noaa Ocra" (13 grants).
Who are National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc's largest grantees?
National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Gameto Inc ($4,000,000), Aspira Women's Health Inc ($3,500,000) and Dar Bioscience Inc ($3,500,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 4 grants to individuals ($70,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 29% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc?
National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc reported $89.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $106.2M.
What does National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc fund?
VentureWell says its mission is to cultivate inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs who address major challenges and create lasting impact. It also describes fostering collaboration among researchers, educators, students, and others to advance innovation and entrepreneurship education. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc?
The E-Team FAQ directs applicants to program guidelines for complete information. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc's EIN?
National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 42-1727335. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
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