Michigan Translational Research & Commercialization (MTRAC)

Innovation Hub for Advanced Applied Materials

2024 Request For Proposals and Submission Process: Important Dates

Date Action
January 1, 2024 RFP Opens
March 31, 2024

RFP Closes

May 23, 2024 Finalists Presentations to Oversight Committee
September 1, 2024 Award Funding Cycle Begins
Quarterly Oversight Committee Reviews

Proposal Submission Guideline, Templates, & Forms

Proposal Submission is a two-stage process:

Stage 1

Complete Technology Disclosure form and submit to Innovation and Commercialization Office. Submit 5 page Full proposal to MTRAC Director.

Stage 2

Presentation to Oversight Committee followed by notification of award.

Application Process Instructions

Cover Sheet Template

Budget Worksheet (for Michigan Tech applicants)

Budget Worksheet (for non-Michigan Tech applicants)

Program Description

The Michigan Translational Research & Commercialization (MTRAC) program is sponsored by the 21st Century Jobs Fund through the Michigan Strategic Fund and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to support collaborative translational research projects led by teams of researchers, and business advisors as needed. The mission of the MTRAC Innovation Hub at Michigan Tech is to advance materials-based technologies that address poorly met market needs into commercial development. Examples of desirable translational research goals and outcomes include achieving specific milestones on the path to commercializing systems, materials, processing technologies, or devices which serve a well-documented market need. Proposals may address demonstration projects, prototype development, or process scale up that is necessary to attract follow-on funding from third parties.

Where there is any question regarding which of the statewide MTRAC Innovation Hubs is most appropriate to support development of a technology Michigan Tech welcomes projects related to:

  • Novel materials
  • Novel applications of conventional materials
  • Equipment or processes that enable the application of either A) novel materials, b) conventional materials for novel purpose
  • Technologies where the composition of the Michigan Tech Oversight Committee is best suited to assist in guiding commercialization strategies

Examples of previously supported technologies include:

  • Nanowires that form a key element in the detection of foodborne pathogens
  • Porous carbon electrodes for use in a blood hematocrit detection device
  • Carbon nanotubes used in an active noise control system for military and passenger vehicles
  • A photonic modulator to improve the data transfer capacity of radio frequency / fiber optic systems
  • Organic nanowires as gas sensors
  • Ceramic material for solid-state batteries

Assistance with business development will be provided by Mike Morley, Director of Technology Commercialization, from the Office of Innovation and Commercialization and members of the Oversight Committee who are active in relevant commercial sectors. PIs are expected to commit to regular meetings with the Commercialization Program Director and quarterly meetings with the Oversight Committee. Cooperating institutional support in the preparation of program reports will be required on a six month basis to consolidate financial reporting to MEDC. Additionally, entrepreneurial training to improve applications and the ultimate commercialization outcome will be available to applicants through additional MEDC support.

Eligibility Criteria

All proposals must relate to an advanced material technology previously disclosed to the office responsible for technology transfer at a Michigan state research university, hospital, or non-profit research center with a designated technology transfer office such as Michigan Tech’s Office of Innovation & Commercialization. A commercial application must be identified for the technology. The PI must be willing to become involved in initial and follow-on business development activities such as customer discovery, competitive analysis, follow-on funding development, proprietary protection strategies and assessment of the intellectual property landscape surrounding the technology. Such activities are critical to the success of the program so awards will be limited to applicants willing to commit to participation in such programs. Licensed technology is not eligible for MTRAC funding though optioned technology is eligible.

Budget Period and Amount

Proposal funds are granted for a one-year period subject to milestone achievement. Budgets are anticipated to range from $30K-50K of direct costs per year. Matching funds are required of each project. 

Frequently Asked Questions