A multidisciplinary committee selected from inside the Institute and from our Catalyst program will evaluate all applications. These individuals are participating under verbal NDA. Successful applicants will be asked to prepare a more formal proposal for further review.

Please note:

• Funding must be for research done in MIT laboratories
  
• Proposals must be submitted by a faculty member at MIT (exceptions for sponsored research staff that are accorded principle investigator status)
  
• Outside and cross-disciplinary collaborations are welcome

• Is this a totally novel, unique, and potentially disruptive technology? Would the faculty member be taking a risk (vs. doing an extension of existing work)?
• Will this result in a “high reward” by addressing real market needs if successful?
• Would this technology have broad, fundamental implications? Cross-disciplinary applications are especially desirable.
• Is there an opportunity for creating new IP? Lack of prior IP or publication is a plus.
• What is the likelihood of technological success? Is the scope appropriate for the $50k budget? High risk is OK, as long as feasibility can be determined within one year.
• Is this technology likely to make and impact in the marketplace within 3 years?
• Is Deshpande Center support - such as funding, partnerships, and mentoring - critical to the success of this idea?
• Is the PI eager to participate in programs and partnerships early on to increase likelihood of commercialization? Will the PI be a role model in encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in his/her lab or department? Is this team eager to benefit from the Deshpande Center Catalyst Program?

• Is there a strong market need or potential impact? Does this technology have a high likelihood of being licensed? Is there a business model that makes sense?
• Is this technology novel, unique, and potentially disruptive?
• Is there a proof of concept already? Is there a likely, clear path to success - for example IP, device, code, etc. within a year?
• Is there a likelihood to develop an IP portfolio?
• Is this technology likely to be commercializable within 1-2 years?
• Is Deshpande support - such as funding, partnerships, and mentoring - critical to the success of this technology?
• Is the PI eager to participate in programs and partnerships early on to increase likelihood of commercialization? Will the PI be a role model in encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in his/her lab or department? Is this team eager to benefit from the Deshpande Center Catalyst Program?