SACT Grant (SCRA-Academic Collaboration Team Grant) - Track 1: Lab to Market

SACT Grant - Track 1: Lab to Market

Program Type: University research commercialization grant

Geographic Scope: South Carolina

Focus Areas:

• Translational research and use-inspired research
• Technology development and commercialization
• Accelerating university-owned technologies to market
• Solutions with potential for lasting economic and societal benefits

Eligibility

• Lead Applicant Institutions Only: Clemson University, University of South Carolina, and Medical University of South Carolina
• Public institutions of higher education
• Must have university-owned technology ready for commercialization

Award Details

• Maximum Award: Up to $860,000
• Matching Funds: Institutions must provide matching funds (typical range $170,000-$397,000 based on awardees)
• Total Project Funding: Typically $1,000,000+ with matching funds

Research Focus Areas (Based on FY24 Awardees)

• Energy/alternative fuel technologies (hydrogen fuel cells)
• Pharmaceutical/chemical synthesis for neurodegenerative disease treatment
• Medical devices and vaccines (cancer vaccines, antibiotic-eluting implants, burn wound gels)
• Biomedical research
• Kinesiology research

Program Goals

• Champion the vital role of institutions of higher education in creating sustainable frameworks
• Accelerate pace of translational/use-inspired research
• Facilitate technology development and commercialization
• Generate tangible solutions with lasting economic and societal benefits
• Create academic-industry collaborations

Contact Information

For more information, contact SCRA at scra.org or view the SACT Grant Awardees page

Application Process

Eligibility Requirements:

• Institution must be Clemson University, University of South Carolina, or Medical University of South Carolina (Track 1 only)
• Proposal must seek to accelerate path to market of university-owned technology
• Clear commercialization potential with identified industry partners

Required Components:

• University-owned technology description
• Commercialization strategy and timeline
• Industry partnerships and letters of commitment
• Matching funds commitment from institution
• Faculty/researcher qualifications and experience
• Budget and project plan
• Intellectual property documentation
• Market analysis and economic impact potential

Submission Materials:
Specific application materials not detailed in provided content. Refer to official SACT Grant solicitation documents on SCRA website for detailed requirements.

Review and Selection:
Proposals evaluated based on:

• Viability of technology for commercialization
• Quality of industry partnerships
• Strength of research team
• Realistic timeline to market
• Potential for economic and societal impact
• Institutional commitment (matching funds)

Post-Award:

• Interim progress reports required
• Ongoing monitoring and evaluation