Six Cornell research teams selected for the spring 2026 cycle of the Ignite Innovation Acceleration program are working on advancing their innovation projects toward real-world impact. The program, part of the Ignite gap funding series managed by Cornell’s Center for Technology Licensing (CTL), awarded $292,869 to help technologies to the next inflection point toward commercialization.
Ignite Innovation Acceleration provides milestone-driven grants to prepare early-stage technologies for licensing, startup formation or industry collaboration. Since the program’s inception, more than 44% of funded projects have advanced to a licensing agreement or startup, even at this early stage.
“When the Innovation Acceleration committee evaluates the proposals, they look into the potential for a license, a new venture, or an industry partner,” said Alice Li, executive director at CTL. “Each project we award has specific milestones that increase the chance of commercialization.”
This spring’s cycle spans gene therapy, cancer immunotherapy, infrared imaging, poultry health, carbon capture and sustainable landscaping, with awardees from four colleges: the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Cornell Duffield Engineering, the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Arts and Sciences. Two of the six teams are evaluating the potential of new ventures, and a third is testing its product with commercial partners.
