Harvard Grid Accelerator

Realizing the Full Potential of Harvard’s Promising Physical Science Research

Bridging the technology development gap

New technologies arising from university research are typically at a very early stage of development with unclear market potential. As a result, companies and venture capitalists consider many of these promising, yet not fully validated ideas, as being too early for partnering and investment. Harvard's Grid Accelerator provides not only the essential gap funding, but also the business expertise to help faculty navigate the complex path from concept to commercialization.

The objectives of the Grid Accelerator are as follows:

• To accelerate the development of nascent inventions conceived by Harvard faculty in the physical sciences and engineering
• To maximize the value of these promising early-stage technologies for the benefit of the University and society through business formation and job creation
• To educate the next generation of business leaders in technology entrepreneurship
• To connect Harvard’s innovation ecosystem by building internal bridges between Schools and engaging with external industry and investors

2025 Grid Accelerator Grant Awards

The 2025 Grid Accelerator Awards will fund up to $100,000 per project. 

Request for proposals for the 2025 Grid Accelerator Awards is open and can be found here.

Principal Investigators whose employer is Harvard University are eligible to apply, and projects are welcomed in any area of physical sciences, including (but not limited to) computer science, physics, materials science, engineering, environmental science, and chemistry.
 

Important Dates

December 9, 2024 | Deadline to submit pre-proposals

January 13, 2025 | Applicants notified to submit full proposals

February 10, 2025 | Deadline to submit full proposals

March 2025 | Funded projects selected and notified