Center For Technology Licensing

Ignite Fellow for New Ventures Info Session #2
2022-12-20 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) at Cornell University has launched the Ignite Postdoc for Ventures program – one of the four signature programs of Ignite Cornell Research Lab to Market gap funding series – in January 2022 to fund and train candidates with entrepreneurial outlooks to start technology ventures based on groundbreaking Cornell invention portfolios. The inaugural cohort comprises five talented Ignite Postdocs pursuing their new journey at Cornell. For this second annual recruitment, the program is expanding to master graduates and being renamed Ignite Fellow for New Ventures.
The program aims to build new solid businesses, grow entrepreneur scientists and engineers, advance technology commercialization, and enrich Cornell’s venture ecosystem by creating high-value startup companies based on the partnerships of an Ignite candidate and faculty inventor.
We are looking for candidates who dream big and take risks, want to become a CEO, CSO, or CTO founder, and want to take their entrepreneurial skills to the next level.
Applications are being accepted through February 28, 2023.
Join one of the virtual info sessions to learn about the program, the goals, the key features, the support provided to the fellows, the application process, and the newly implemented pre-phase to match candidates and faculty-inventors. Register here for session 2 on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.

Ignite Fellow for New Ventures Info Session #3
2023-01-05 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) at Cornell University has launched the Ignite Postdoc for Ventures program – one of the four signature programs of Ignite Cornell Research Lab to Market gap funding series – in January 2022 to fund and train candidates with entrepreneurial outlooks to start technology ventures based on groundbreaking Cornell invention portfolios. The inaugural cohort comprises five talented Ignite Postdocs pursuing their new journey at Cornell. For this second annual recruitment, the program is expanding to master graduates and being renamed Ignite Fellow for New Ventures.
The program aims to build new solid businesses, grow entrepreneur scientists and engineers, advance technology commercialization, and enrich Cornell’s venture ecosystem by creating high-value startup companies based on the partnerships of an Ignite candidate and faculty inventor.
We are looking for candidates who dream big and take risks, want to become a CEO, CSO, or CTO founder, and want to take their entrepreneurial skills to the next level.
Applications are being accepted through February 28, 2023.
Join one of the virtual info sessions to learn about the program, the goals, the key features, the support provided to the fellows, the application process, and the newly implemented pre-phase to match candidates and faculty-inventors. Register here for session 3 on Thursday, January 5, 2022.

Ignite Fellow for New Ventures Info Session #4
2023-01-20 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) at Cornell University has launched the Ignite Postdoc for Ventures program – one of the four signature programs of Ignite Cornell Research Lab to Market gap funding series – in January 2022 to fund and train candidates with entrepreneurial outlooks to start technology ventures based on groundbreaking Cornell invention portfolios. The inaugural cohort comprises five talented Ignite Postdocs pursuing their new journey at Cornell. For this second annual recruitment, the program is expanding to master graduates and being renamed Ignite Fellow for New Ventures.
The program aims to build new solid businesses, grow entrepreneur scientists and engineers, advance technology commercialization, and enrich Cornell’s venture ecosystem by creating high-value startup companies based on the partnerships of an Ignite candidate and faculty inventor.
We are looking for candidates who dream big and take risks, want to become a CEO, CSO, or CTO founder, and want to take their entrepreneurial skills to the next level.
Applications are being accepted through February 28, 2023.
Join one of the virtual info sessions to learn about the program, the goals, the key features, the support provided to the fellows, the application process, and the newly implemented pre-phase to match candidates and faculty-inventors. Register here for session 4 on Friday, January 20, 2022.

Ignite Meet Up for Fellows
2023-01-24 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
In January, we will organize our first monthly Ignite Meetup for Fellows. In addition to discussing upcoming training and events for 2023, we will be hosting a conversation with John E. Alexander, Cornell Alumni AB 74’ MBA 76’, founding member of Cayuga Venture Fund and Red Bear Angels, and a successful serial entrepreneur. This will be an opportunity to have a Q&A-style discussion with an emphasis on how to create and manage new ventures.
About John E. Alexander

JOHN E. ALEXANDER (Cornell AB ’74, MBA ’76) is the founder of The CBORD Group Inc., a systems integration firm based in Ithaca, NY. He earned an undergraduate degree in physics and an MBA in finance while at Cornell. Immediately after graduation, he was vice president in the Money Market Division of Bankers Trust Company (now Deutsche Bank.) in their Eurodollar trading operation.
As President and CEO of CBORD, Mr. Alexander led CBORD through 29 years of growth. The CBORD Group, founded in 1975, is the world’s leading provider of campus and cashless card systems, food and nutrition service management software, nationwide student discount and off-campus commerce programs, housing and judicial process management software, and integrated security solutions. CBORD prides itself on being the only provider that can offer such a broad portfolio of solutions designed to improve our clients’ daily operations and help them provide their customers with greater convenience and satisfaction.

Ignite Innovation Acceleration Info Session #1
2023-03-31 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Ignite Innovation Acceleration is a gap funding program and one of the four signature programs of Ignite: Cornell Research Lab to Market gap funding series. The program aims to advance Cornell University research innovations to the next inflection point (technical or commercial validation) towards commercialization.
Awarded projects will receive up to $50,000. The funding is provided in form of grants to labs to advance inventions toward licensing, startup formation, or industry partnerships.
Project applications are submitted by Cornell University research labs based on disclosed, active CTL inventions from Ithaca, Geneva, or Cornell Tech campuses.
Applications are being accepted beginning March 20 through April 21, 2023.
On March 31 at noon, join the information session to learn more about the program series and the application process. Register here.
If you can’t make it to the March 31st info session, join us on April 7 at noon. More information here.

Ignite Innovation Acceleration Info Session #2
2023-04-07 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Ignite Innovation Acceleration is a gap funding program and one of the four signature programs of Ignite: Cornell Research Lab to Market gap funding series. The program aims to advance Cornell University research innovations to the next inflection point (technical or commercial validation) towards commercialization.
Awarded projects will receive up to $50,000. The funding is provided in form of grants to labs to advance inventions toward licensing, startup formation, or industry partnerships.
Project applications are submitted by Cornell University research labs based on disclosed, active CTL inventions from Ithaca, Geneva, or Cornell Tech campuses.
Applications are being accepted beginning March 20 through April 21, 2023.
On April 7 at noon, join the information session to learn more about the program series and the application process. Register here.

Ignite Innovation Acceleration In-Person Lunch Info Session
2023-04-12 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Mann Library Room 102
Ignite Innovation Acceleration is a gap funding program and one of the four signature programs of Ignite: Cornell Research Lab to Market gap funding series. The program aims to advance Cornell University research innovations to the next inflection point (technical or commercial validation) towards commercialization.
Join us for the next in-person lunch info session on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at noon at 102 Mann Library, where we will provide valuable insights into the program, the application process, and the benefits of receiving up to $50,000 in grants to advance inventions toward licensing, startup formation, or industry partnerships.
If you’re an innovator from Ithaca, Geneva, or Cornell Tech campuses, you can submit your project application from March 20 to April 21, 2023. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about the program and how it can help you advance your research.
Register here! Lunch will be provided.

Ignite Showcase 2023
2023-05-15 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Statler Hotel, 130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
The Center for Technology Licensing at Cornell University (CTL) is thrilled to organize this event to celebrate the achievements of Cornell’s innovators and entrepreneurs through the gap funding series Ignite: Cornell Research Lab to Market.
We cordially invite you to join us in person on Monday, May 15, 2023, from 11 am to 2 pm for this special celebration at the Statler Hotel Ballroom for a delightful lunch, exciting networking, and celebration of Cornell innovation! The seated program starts at 11:45 a.m.
We are pleased to announce that Krystyn J. Van Vliet, Ph.D., who is the new Vice President for Research and Innovation at Cornell, an inventor, and entrepreneur herself, will be moderating a fireside chat discussion featuring Professor Hakim Weatherspoon, Co-Founder and CEO at Exostellar, a fast-growing Cornell startup in the cloud industry.
Register here.
At the Ignite Showcase 2023, you will also:

Meet and network with awardees during the poster exhibit
Learn how the Ignite gap funding can help you translate research discoveries
Hear from a panel of innovators and industry experts
Vote on the pitches of Ignite Fellows for New Ventures

Visit Ignite Showcase 2023 webpage to get access to the most up-to-date schedule.

NSF I-Corps Information Session (virtual)
2023-07-25 12:00 - 12:45 (America/New_York) | Online Webinar
Calling all researchers! If you have been working on a technology innovation and wish to explore its commercialization potential, I-Corps can provide you with entrepreneurial education, mentoring, and up to $50,000 in funding for customer discovery.
Hosted by the newly established NSF I-Corps Hub: Interior Northeast (IN I-Corps), the virtual NSF I-Corps Information Session on Tuesday, July 25 (12:00 – 12:45 p.m. ET) is designed for busy graduate students, postdocs, and faculty interested in learning more about I-Corps regional and national programming. I-Corps instructors and alumni will be in attendance to share their experiences and answer your questions.
The National Science Foundation created I-Corps (Innovation Corps) to bridge the gap between fundamental research discoveries in science and engineering and the commercialization of technologies, products, and processes with the potential to benefit society.
Register for the info session here

Ignite Innovation Acceleration Info Session 2
2023-10-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Ignite Innovation Acceleration – Fall Cycle Info Session 2
Ignite Innovation Acceleration is a gap funding program and one of the three signature programs of Ignite: Cornell Research Lab to Market gap funding series. The program aims to advance Cornell research innovations to the next inflection point (technical or commercial validation) towards commercialization. Awarded projects receive up to $50,000. Funding is provided in the registration form of grants to labs to advance inventions toward licensing, startup formation or industry partnerships. Project applications are submitted by Cornell research labs based on disclosed, active CTL inventions from Ithaca, Geneva, or Cornell Tech campuses. Applications are being accepted beginning September 25 through November 6, 2023. Join the info session to learn more about the program series and the application process, and visit our website.
Register here.

Ignite Fellow for New Ventures Information Session 1
2024-01-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Applications Open for the 2024 Cycle of Ignite Fellow for New Ventures!
Are you ready to turn Cornell’s groundbreaking ideas into thriving ventures? The Ignite Fellow for New Ventures program, one of the four signature programs of the Ignite: Cornell Research Lab to Market gap fund series, is your ticket to entrepreneurial success!
Launched by Cornell University’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), this program is your gateway to transforming cutting-edge inventions into thriving technology ventures.
Why Ignite Fellow for New Ventures?

Advance technology commercialization: grow as an entrepreneur scientist or engineer by partnering with a Cornell faculty inventor.
Funding Package of Up to $120,000: We’re here to de-risk your journey with a comprehensive funding package covering your salary for up to two years and essential experiment costs.
Cornell’s Inclusive Ethos: Built on the principle of “…any person…any study,” our program encourages you to explore a diverse range of groundbreaking discoveries in Cornell labs.
Open to aspiring entrepreneurs: We’re seeking master graduates, PhDs, and postdocs who dream big, take risks, and envision themselves as a CEO, CSO, or CTO founder.

Applications open until March 1, 2024, at 5 p.m. Apply here.
Join one of the virtual info sessions hosted by the Center for Technology Licensing (CTL) to learn about the program, the goals, the key features, the support provided to the fellows, the application process, and the pre-phase to match candidates and faculty-inventors.
Register the info session to learn more about the program and the application process.

Ignite Fellow for New Ventures Information Session 2
2024-02-23 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)

Ignite Innovation Acceleration Info Session 1
2024-03-29 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Applications Open for the 2024 Spring Cycle of Ignite Innovation Acceleration!
The Center for Technology Licensing (CTL) at Cornell University recently announced the opening of the Ignite Innovation Acceleration Spring 2024 Cycle, designed to propel Cornell University research innovations from the lab bench to the marketplace. As part of the Ignite: Cornell Research Lab to Market gap funding series, this program is dedicated to fostering the next generation of scientific breakthroughs.
Don’t miss one of our upcoming information sessions to learn about the program and the application process.
Register for Info Session 1 here.
Key Highlights

Selected projects will be awarded up to $50,000 in grants, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world application.
This funding is tailored to advance your inventions towards vital milestones, including licensing, startup formation, and industry partnerships.
pen to research labs across Ithaca, Geneva, and Cornell Tech campuses, focusing on disclosed, active CTL inventions.

Applications open on April 1, 2024, and will be accepted until May 17, 2024.

Ignite Innovation Acceleration Info Session 2
2024-04-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Applications Open for the 2024 Spring Cycle of Ignite Innovation Acceleration!
The Center for Technology Licensing (CTL) at Cornell University recently announced the opening of the Ignite Innovation Acceleration Spring 2024 Cycle, designed to propel Cornell University research innovations from the lab bench to the marketplace. As part of the Ignite: Cornell Research Lab to Market gap funding series, this program is dedicated to fostering the next generation of scientific breakthroughs.
Don’t miss one of our upcoming information sessions to learn about the program and the application process.
Register for Info Session 2 here.
Key Highlights

Selected projects will be awarded up to $50,000 in grants, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world application.
This funding is tailored to advance your inventions towards vital milestones, including licensing, startup formation, and industry partnerships.
pen to research labs across Ithaca, Geneva, and Cornell Tech campuses, focusing on disclosed, active CTL inventions.

Applications open on April 1, 2024, and will be accepted until May 17, 2024.

Ignite Innovation Acceleration Info Session 3
2024-04-22 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Applications Open for the 2024 Spring Cycle of Ignite Innovation Acceleration!
The Center for Technology Licensing (CTL) at Cornell University recently announced the opening of the Ignite Innovation Acceleration Spring 2024 Cycle, designed to propel Cornell University research innovations from the lab bench to the marketplace. As part of the Ignite: Cornell Research Lab to Market gap funding series, this program is dedicated to fostering the next generation of scientific breakthroughs.
Don’t miss one of our upcoming information sessions to learn about the program and the application process.
Register for Info Session 3 here.
Key Highlights

Selected projects will be awarded up to $50,000 in grants, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world application.
This funding is tailored to advance your inventions towards vital milestones, including licensing, startup formation, and industry partnerships.
pen to research labs across Ithaca, Geneva, and Cornell Tech campuses, focusing on disclosed, active CTL inventions.

Applications open on April 1, 2024, and will be accepted until May 17, 2024.

Ignite Fellow for New Ventures Information Session
2024-12-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Online Webinar
One of the four signature programs of Ignite Cornell Research Lab to Market gap fund series. Launched in 2022, Ignite Fellow for New Ventures program funds and trains Ph.D. and master’s holders with entrepreneurial outlooks to start technology ventures.
The program aims to build new solid businesses, grow entrepreneur scientists and engineers, advance technology commercialization, and enrich Cornell’s venture ecosystem by creating high-value startup companies based on the partnership of an Ignite candidate and faculty inventor.
Join this information session to learn more.

Ignite Fellow for New Ventures Information Session #3
2025-01-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Online Webinar

Ignite Fellows for New Venture Info Session #4
2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) at Cornell University has launched the Ignite Postdoc for Ventures program–one of the four signature programs of Ignite Cornell Research Lab to Market gap fund series–in January 2022 to fund and train candidates with entrepreneurial outlooks to start technology ventures based on groundbreaking Cornell invention portfolios.
For this fourth annual recruitment, the program will accept master graduates, PhDs and candidates. The goal of the program is to build strong new businesses, grow entrepreneur scientists and engineers, advance technology commercialization, and enrich Cornell’s venture ecosystem by creating high-value startup companies based on the partnerships of an Ignite candidate and faculty inventor. With the strength of Cornell based on its founding principal “… any person … any study”, this program allows any aspiring entrepreneurs to find the right innovation among the broad range of great discoveries made in the lab and the diversifying body of faculty innovators. The program de-risks the entrepreneurship journey by providing a funding package of up to $120,000 which includes salary compensation of the fellow and funding to conduct basic experiments. As a Cornell employee, the fellow will be eligible to the benefits accessible to any Cornell employees.
We are looking for candidates who dream big and take risks, want to become a CEO, CSO, or CTO founder, and want to take their entrepreneurial skills to the next level.
Register for the info session here.

Ignite Innovation Acceleration Fall 2025 Information Session
2025-10-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-24 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Ignite Innovation Acceleration is a gap funding program offering up to $50,000 to help Cornell research teams advance disclosed inventions toward commercialization. Funding supports work that moves technologies toward licensing, startup formation, or industry partnerships.
Applications are open from September 22 to November 7, 2025.
This session will provide an overview of:

Program goals and funding scope

Application process and timeline

Eligibility and selection criteria

How this program fits into the Ignite: Lab to Market funding series

Register here.

Ignite Fellow for New Ventures Info Session 1
2025-11-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://ctl.cornell.edu/event/ignite-fellow-for-new-ventures-info-session-1-2025-26
Ignite Fellows for New Ventures is the flagship PhD & master’s‑level fellowship in Cornell’s Lab‑to‑Market gap‑fund series. Since its 2022 launch, the program has supported entrepreneurial scientists and engineers ready to turn research into high‑impact startups.
We’re now recruiting our 5th annual cohort, open to master’s graduates, doctoral candidates, and PhD holders. Fellows are matched with a Cornell faculty inventor and receive up to $120,000 in funding. They join as full‑time Cornell employees, working in the lab and engaging with our incubator network for business development.
This is your opportunity to build a business, lead as a founder, advance technology commercialization, and enrich Cornell’s venture ecosystem. Whether your ambition is to become CEO, CSO or CTO—or to apply your entrepreneurial mindset to bold new discoveries—Ignite is designed for you.
What we look for:

Big‑vision innovators who take calculated risks

Scientists or engineers ready to lead a venture

Partners who want to work alongside a Cornell faculty inventor

What you’ll get:

Funding up to $120 K to support you and your early‑stage work

Mentorship and training through Cornell’s startup ecosystem

Access to faculty lab resources, the incubator network, and startup infrastructure

Register here.

Ignite Fellow for New Ventures Info Session 2
2025-12-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://ctl.cornell.edu/event/ignite-fellow-for-new-ventures-info-session-2-december-17

Ignite Connect 2026: Accelerating Impact
2026-01-29 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for Cornell’s annual virtual forum spotlighting investment-ready university technologies and venture teams. Ignite Connect features a curated lineup of startups backed by gap-funding programs that have advanced beyond early validation and are actively seeking investment, strategic partnerships, or licensing opportunities.
Ideal for pre-seed/seed investors, corporate venture teams, and innovation scouts, the event includes a spotlight address, four thematic pitch tracks, and opportunities to schedule one-on-one meetings with founders and faculty innovators.
Register here.

Ignite Fellow for New Ventures Info Session 3
2026-01-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://ctl.cornell.edu/event/ignite-fellow-for-new-ventures-info-session-3-2

Ignite Fellow for New Ventures Info Session 4
2026-02-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://ctl.cornell.edu/event/ignite-fellow-for-new-ventures-info-session-4-2026
