BDTI is a program to support innovative proof-of-concept projects with the goal of helping bridge the funding gap between early-stage deep tech innovations and well-defined commercial opportunities that are ready for investors in new startups or licensing to external companies. This award allows investigators to demonstrate the promise of their technology to potential investors and/or industry collaborators and increase their chances of commercialization.

View the full program guidlines

Important Dates

BDTI support includes providing strategic, monetary, and advisory support for well-defined research projects.​

• Funding translational research projects - BDTI Pilot awards up to $100,000 for 12 months.
• Advising/coaching – by an independent panel of advisors with broad expertise in evaluation, investment and commercialization of early stage technologies.
• Partnering/managing – BDTI will identify and retain consultants and contract research organizations to leverage development expertise and provide project management support to ensure focus and timely delivery on project milestones.
• Exploring commercial development opportunities – As opportunities progress, BDTI and Brown Technology Innovations will work through established relationships with industry, venture capital, and entrepreneurial start-up resources to find the best path for further development.

Eligible applicants are investigators who are covered by the Brown University IP policy and have an obligation to assign IP to Brown University.

Activities Eligible for Funding

The Brown Deep Tech Impact Fund supports the translation of breakthrough research into commercially viable technologies and pre-seed ventures. Eligible projects span a broad range of deep technology fields, including but not limited to artificial intelligence, advanced materials, climate and energy technologies, robotics, quantum technologies, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and other science-based innovations.

Examples of activities eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:

1. Development and validation of proof-of-concept technologies
2. Design, fabrication, and testing of functional prototypes
3. Technical de-risking through laboratory, field, or pilot-scale validation
4. Development of software, algorithms, AI/ML models, or computational platforms that demonstrate commercial potential
5. Validation of novel materials, devices, sensors, hardware, or manufacturing processes
6. Development and testing of engineering systems or integrated technology platforms
7. Regulatory, manufacturing, or scale-up feasibility studies where appropriate

Projects may leverage specialized external expertise, including contract research organizations (CROs), engineering and prototyping firms, testing laboratories, software development partners, fabrication facilities, pilot manufacturing organizations, regulatory consultants, and other technical service providers. The Brown Deep Tech Impact Fund, working closely with the Principal Investigator and founding team, may assist in identifying qualified external partners, negotiating service agreements, and managing outsourced technical activities to accelerate technology maturation and commercialization.

• Prospective applicants should review the Full Description and Guidelines.
• Expression of Interest Form: Applicants who are interested in applying for a BDTI award should fill out the Expression of Interest form. A two page project description and plan with an estimated timeline is required and should be uploaded where prompted through the form. EoI forms are due by November 9, 2026. 
• Introductory meeting: Every applicant who submits an Expression of Interest form will be contacted to set up a one hour meeting with members of the BDTI and BTI teams to review the form and discuss the technology and development plan.
• Full proposals: By invitation only. Staff at the BDTI and Brown Technology Innovations will assist applicants with the development of full proposals, particularly with determination of commercial potential and development of milestones to reach that potential. Applicants will be expected to present/pitch their proposals (in person or via video conferencing, TBD, in February) to the Independent Investment Advisory Committee. Full proposals will be reviewed by the Committee and possibly one or more external technical advisors. Award decisions will be made by the Advisory Committee in consultation with BDTI and funding is expected to begin in March 2027.

Please email bdti@brown.edu or contact Victoria Campbell for further information about this program.