SACT Grant (SCRA-Academic Collaboration Team Grant) - Track 2: Capacity Building

SACT Grant - Track 2: Capacity Building

Program Type: University research infrastructure and capacity development grant

Geographic Scope: South Carolina

Focus Areas:

• Building infrastructure for use-inspired research and development
• Technology development and commercialization capacity
• Establishing sustainable frameworks for translational research
• Creating conditions for long-term innovation and commercialization

Eligibility

• Lead Applicant Institutions: All public institutions of higher education NOT included in Track 1 (i.e., all public IHEs except Clemson University, University of South Carolina, and Medical University of South Carolina)
• Includes universities like Coastal Carolina University, College of Charleston, and other state public institutions

Award Details

• Maximum Award: Up to $640,000
• Matching Funds: Institutions must provide matching funds (typical range $84,000-$220,000 based on awardees)
• Total Project Funding: Typically $700,000-$860,000 with matching funds

Recent Awardees and Focus Areas (FY24)

• Coastal Carolina University: Biomedical research, kinesiology research
• College of Charleston: Technology development, global logistics solutions, interdisciplinary innovation
• Other eligible public institutions

Program Goals

• Establish infrastructure and capacity necessary for growth in use-inspired research and development
• Provide foundation for future economic and social impacts
• Build frameworks and partnerships for long-term sustainability
• Enable institutions to transition technologies from lab to market
• Support faculty and student research teams
• Strengthen relationships with local and state industries
• Foster development of commercialization culture

Typical Outcomes

• Enhanced research capacity
• Industry partnership development
• Technology transfer infrastructure
• Workforce development in commercialization and entrepreneurship
• Market analysis and business planning skills

Application Process

Eligibility Requirements:

• Institution must be public institution of higher education NOT in Track 1 eligible list
• Proposal must seek to build capacity for translational/use-inspired research
• Clear plan for establishing sustainable infrastructure
• Industry partnership commitments required

Required Components:

• Capacity building plan and timeline
• Description of infrastructure to be developed
• Industry partnership letters and commitments
• Matching funds commitment from institution
• Faculty and staff qualifications
• Budget and resource allocation plan
• Sustainability plan for long-term program support
• Plans for technology transfer and commercialization
• Workforce development components
• Market analysis and industry engagement strategy

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 capacity-building plan
• Quality and commitment of industry partnerships
• Institutional support and matching funds
• Potential for long-term sustainability
• Faculty/staff capabilities
• Impact on state innovation economy
• Commercialization potential of resulting research

Post-Award:

• Interim progress reports required
• Ongoing monitoring of capacity development