# Washington University Gap Fund

id: gap-fund
Organization: Office of Technology Management, WashU
URL: https://otm.wustl.edu/disclose-inventions/gap-fund/
Contact: OTM · otm@wustl.edu
Location: washu
Invention types: devices-diagnostics, software-digital, research-tools
Domains: device, diagnostic, software, research-tool
Stages: s6, s7
Needs: funding
Requires a company: no

## What you get
Translational funding for promising non-drug WashU technologies. Current OTM information says commitments are made in blocks up to $55,000; technically no overall maximum is stated.

## Why you might care
Pays for work conventional academic grants may not prioritize but that can de-risk a technology. You do not need to start a company.

## Useful when
- A specific non-drug experiment, prototype, or milestone would increase transfer value
- You have a WashU technology and a concrete de-risking experiment

## Not for
- Drug development / therapeutic candidates (see Needleman)
- General unfocused research support

## Eligibility
WashU researcher with an appointment covered by the IP policy; non-drug technology; proof of feasibility demonstrated; technology disclosed to OTM and properly assigned to WashU; reasonable probability of adequate IP protection. Applications/consideration are available year-round, including ad hoc proposals.

## Caveats
- This is not a drug-development program and does not fund startup-company expenses.
- A single award commitment is up to $55,000; larger development plans may be staged through sequential awards.
- The technology must already have proof of feasibility and be disclosed/assigned to WashU before an application.

## Problems solved
- funding
- de-risking
- prototype

## Funding
Commitments in blocks up to $55,000 (verify current terms)