The Academic Research and Development Grant is a competitive grant program that supports Nebraska businesses partnering with a Nebraska college or university to fund research and development activities leading to new or improved products, processes, and innovations which might not occur without state assistance.
Donor Name: Nebraska Department of Economic Development
State: Nebraska
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement
Deadline: 06/30/2025
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
R&D Grant funds may be used for related expenses (not considered ongoing expenses) that are incurred by the business seeking federal agency approval, certification, or considered supportive in achieving the scope of work contemplated by the participating Nebraska college or university. The research and development must be directed toward the commercialization of new products, modification of existing products that lead to substantially improved marketability, or the improvement of existing processes that may provide a new source of revenue to Nebraska business.
Applicants seeking financial assistance must identify the sources and uses of funds outlining the anticipated expenditures, need for funding, and purpose and value of any funding that is directed for work occurring outside of Nebraska but considered critical to the project. The Department prioritizes projects where costs are directed to Nebraska colleges, universities, and businesses. Project costs related to equipment purchases, fabrication, or consultation with contractors, vendors, or resources located out of state are a lower priority.
Funding Information
- Phase I R&D awards are capped at $100,000.
- Phase II R&D awards are capped at $400,000.
Grant Period
Generally, each phase will be completed within 24 months of award.
Eligibility Criteria
Any Nebraska based for-profit business may request financial assistance to pay a Nebraska public or private college, university, educational institution, or college/university research center to undertake academic research and product development on their behalf. R&D Grant funding may be used for applied research, new product development, testing and validation, or new uses of intellectual property already generated by a private or public college or university in Nebraska (i.e., tech transfer).
For more information, visit DED.
