Groover Labs is proud to be an approved partner for the Kansas Department of Commerce Proof of Concept Grant announced on July 1, 2021. Qualified applicants are eligible to apply for grants of $5,000 - $25,000, and applications must be submitted through an approved partner. Below is a brief summary of the program. More complete information is available on the Department of Commerce website.
Groover Labs co-founder Tracy Hoover (tracyh@grooverlabs.org) is the contact person for grant applications through Groover Labs. The review team at the Department of Commerce will review applications at the end of each quarter; applications must be submitted to Groover Labs by September 10, 2021; December 10, 2021; March 10, 2022; June 10, 2022; and so on, or until funds run out.
This is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs in search of initial funding in order to explore their idea and assess its potential or make progress toward an initial prototype. If you are considering applying for a grant, we encourage you to contact us prior to submitting your application. We may be able to advise you on your application. And if you receive the grant, consider working at Groover Labs in order to take advantage of the knowledge and experience in our community.
The KITE Proof of Concept (POC) is designed to fill a need for support where typical funding mechanisms are not available, acting as a bridge between federal funding for basic research and commercial seed funding by angel or venture investors. POC funding will not be awarded when other sources of funding are timely available. The POC program will aim to assist:
The establishment of promising new technology-based entrepreneurial ventures within the State.
The commercialization of inventions resulting from research conducted at Kansas public universities.
Applications for POC funding are accepted throughout the year. The POC review committee meets on a quarterly basis to review proposals and make recommendations for funding. Awards will be made for eligible applications until funds are expended. Applicants are required to submit applications through an approved partner at least two weeks prior to quarterly committee reviews.