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For Researchers

How to Apply

It begins with contacting your university representative. GRA supports and supplements technology transfer at Georgia universities.

The Process

New to the program? Start with Grants & Loans for what GRA funds and how much.

  1. Contact your tech transfer office

    If you're a university researcher seeking GRA investment and guidance, first contact your tech transfer or commercialization office. If your university or college doesn't have one, email us.

  2. Work with your GRA representative

    Each university has a designated GRA representative who helps identify promising projects and coordinate development and submission of proposals to GRA. Our proposal templates are available through university representatives.

  3. Shape the proposal

    GRA staff are available to discuss program mechanics, project fit and general program questions. The funding documents carry the application templates and guides.

University Representatives

If you're with another accredited university in Georgia and seek I&E funding, email us.

What Makes a Strong Proposal

  • A clear technical or commercialization question being tested
  • Milestones that create a go/no-go decision
  • A realistic project scope aligned with the requested budget
  • Evidence that the technology offers advantages relative to existing solutions
  • A credible pathway toward commercialization or real-world adoption

GRA supports technologies across many domains. Whether the project involves a therapeutic discovery, a new agricultural technology, a software platform, an advanced material or an engineering system, the I&E program focuses on projects that demonstrate clear progress toward real-world application.

GRA Grants & Loans Timetable

Six cycles throughout a July to June fiscal year.

CycleSubmit your applicationGRA will review
Cycle 1June 2 to August 3August 12 to 26
Cycle 2August 4 to September 28October 7 to 20
Cycle 3September 29 to November 23December 2 to 15
Cycle 4November 24 to February 1February 10 to 24
Cycle 5February 2 to April 5April 14 to 28
Cycle 6April 6 to May 31June 9 to 23

Six funding cycles throughout the fiscal year support planning and add predictability.

Frequently Asked Questions

For anything not covered here, GRA staff are available at Grants@GRA.org.

Who is eligible for GRA grants?

Faculty researchers employed by any accredited public or private university in Georgia. Grants are awarded to universities developing innovations; they de-risk the technology, first by exploring its potential, then by preparing it for outside investment.

Who is eligible for GRA loans?

Only companies with substantial operations in Georgia and founded on Georgia university technologies. GRA may provide a Startup Loan after a company forms around a Georgia university technology, to help it attract external financing.

Does GRA take equity in my project?

GRA grants are non-dilutive; GRA does not have a financial stake in the project. Startup Loans are designed to limit immediate dilution, with a modest warrant component and the option to convert in connection with a future financing event.

How much funding is available?

Exploratory Grants provide up to $10,000 with rolling submission. Development Grants range from $10,000 to $250,000, with six review cycles per year. Startup Loans are typically awarded in amounts up to $250,000, deployed in tranches around achieved milestones. See Grants & Loans for what each supports.

Where do I get the application templates?

From your university's designated GRA representative, who helps shape and submit proposals, and on the Funding Documents page.

What can GRA funds be used for?

Activities that reduce commercial risk and further develop the commercially relevant value proposition: prototype development, technology feasibility studies, market research, customer discovery, intellectual property assessment, and regulatory and reimbursement assessment, among others.

What can't GRA funds be used for?

Among other exclusions: compensation of any individual who holds equity in a GRA-funded company, patent prosecution or incorporation legal expenses, proposals seeking preliminary data for non-commercial grants (NIH, NSF, DoD), exploratory or basic research, student tuition, overhead and rent. GRA grants also do not fund indirect (F&A) costs. The proposal guidelines in the funding documents carry the full lists.

Can a project receive more than one grant?

Yes. GRA may award more than one Development Grant if a project makes meaningful progress or if additional milestones justify added investment. Exploratory Grant outcomes often serve as the foundation for a subsequent Development Grant.

What are the reporting requirements?

Milestones and a budget update are reported semi-annually until all funds have been spent, and every grant-funded project submits a 6-Month Project Update Form, starting 6 months after funding and continuing while the grant is active. GRA may elect to pay funds in tranches based on milestones, which can include both scientific and business tasks.

Do I need IRB or IACUC approval?

If animal or human subjects will be used with GRA funds, IACUC and IRB approval must be obtained from your university prior to proposal submission.

What support comes beyond the funding?

Counsel from industry advisors and experienced entrepreneurs, including GRA Senior Advisors, throughout the I&E process; connections to potential management talent; introductions to investors and strategic partners; and expertise from the I&E team.