Monarch Proof-of-Concept Program

The Monarch Proof-of-Concept (MPOC) Program provides targeted proof-of-concept funding to foster the commercialization success of ODU inventions.

The program will:

  • Provide training on intellectual property and commercialization principles.
  • Support competitive applications to major external technology development grants including VA Catalyst, VIPC CCF, NIH REACH, and NSF/NIH I-Corps.
  • Funding: Up to $20,000 can be requested for direct project costs such as lab materials, supplies, and third-party software development. Funds cannot be used for salaries, tuition, travel, or indirect costs.
  • Education: Training on intellectual property protection, licensing, and technology commercialization.
  • Support: Enhanced positioning for technology development grants and programs. See the "Follow-On Funding" section for more information.
  • Who Can Apply: Full-time ODU faculty and staff.
  • Projects: Short-term projects based on a recently disclosed invention with high commercial potential.
    • Projects must be based on an invention disclosed to the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) before or with your application through the Invention Disclosure Form.
      The application will ask you to either upload your Invention Disclosure Form or provide the title of the corresponding invention already on file.
  • Program Requirements: During the period of performance, complete asynchronous intellectual property and commercialization training modules developed by the Office of Technology Commercialization.
  • September 1, 2026: Application Opens
  • October 2, 2026: Application Deadline (11:59 p.m.)
  • June 11, 2027: Program End Date
  1. Disclose Your Invention: Projects must be based on an invention disclosed to the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) before or with your application through the Invention Disclosure Form.
    The application will ask you to either upload your Invention Disclosure Form or provide the title of the corresponding invention already on file.
  2. Review Follow-on Funding: Research follow-on funding mechanisms that align with your project. A non-exhaustive list is provided in the Follow-On Funding section. 
  3. Complete the Application Form: Submit your completed DivRED Monarch Proof-of-Concept Application Form by Friday, October 2nd at 11:59 p.m. 

Projects will be evaluated by reviewers on the following criteria:

  • Project Plan: Feasibility of completing proposed project goals within the 6-month period of performance, supported by defined quantitative success metrics. 
  • Budget & Rationale: Justification for the requested amount (up to $20,000) and use of funds.
  • Commercial Potential: Market relevance, competitive advantage, and likelihood of future licensing, industry partnership, or startup formation.
  • Follow-On Funding Strategy: Clear identification of a target follow-on funding source, application timeline, and explanation of how generated data will strengthen the future proposal.

Follow-on funding refers to technology development grants and fellowships that provide financial support and training to de-risk your invention and strengthen the likelihood of attracting investment by potential licensees or investors. These grants focus on validating the commercial viability of inventions.

To learn more about some of the available programs, review the programs websites listed below (not an exhaustive list).

  • Funding: Up to $20,000 can be requested for direct project costs such as lab materials, supplies, and third-party software development. Funds cannot be used for salaries, tuition, travel, or indirect costs.
  • Education: Training on intellectual property protection, licensing, and technology commercialization.
  • Support: Enhanced positioning for technology development grants and programs. See the "Follow-On Funding" section for more information.

  • Who Can Apply: Full-time ODU faculty and staff.
  • Projects: Short-term projects based on a recently disclosed invention with high commercial potential.
    • Projects must be based on an invention disclosed to the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) before or with your application through the Invention Disclosure Form.
      The application will ask you to either upload your Invention Disclosure Form or provide the title of the corresponding invention already on file.
  • Program Requirements: During the period of performance, complete asynchronous intellectual property and commercialization training modules developed by the Office of Technology Commercialization.

  • September 1, 2026: Application Opens
  • October 2, 2026: Application Deadline (11:59 p.m.)
  • June 11, 2027: Program End Date

  1. Disclose Your Invention: Projects must be based on an invention disclosed to the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) before or with your application through the Invention Disclosure Form.
    The application will ask you to either upload your Invention Disclosure Form or provide the title of the corresponding invention already on file.
  2. Review Follow-on Funding: Research follow-on funding mechanisms that align with your project. A non-exhaustive list is provided in the Follow-On Funding section. 
  3. Complete the Application Form: Submit your completed DivRED Monarch Proof-of-Concept Application Form by Friday, October 2nd at 11:59 p.m. 

Projects will be evaluated by reviewers on the following criteria:

  • Project Plan: Feasibility of completing proposed project goals within the 6-month period of performance, supported by defined quantitative success metrics. 
  • Budget & Rationale: Justification for the requested amount (up to $20,000) and use of funds.
  • Commercial Potential: Market relevance, competitive advantage, and likelihood of future licensing, industry partnership, or startup formation.
  • Follow-On Funding Strategy: Clear identification of a target follow-on funding source, application timeline, and explanation of how generated data will strengthen the future proposal.

Follow-on funding refers to technology development grants and fellowships that provide financial support and training to de-risk your invention and strengthen the likelihood of attracting investment by potential licensees or investors. These grants focus on validating the commercial viability of inventions.

To learn more about some of the available programs, review the programs websites listed below (not an exhaustive list).

Office of Technology Commercialization

Contact

Office of Technology Commercialization

Innovation Research Park 1
Suite 203, 4111 Monarch Way
Norfolk, VA 23508
757-695-4341 office