Learn more about external funding opportunities such as grants, awards and competitions open to Cornell University innovators, researchers and early-stage ventures.
Jump to: For researchers For startups
For Researchers
DOE Genesis Mission – National Science and Technology Challenges
Funding: Phase I: $500K – $750K; Phase II: $6M – $15M
Topic: Advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, critical materials, nuclear energy, quantum information science
Audience: Interdisciplinary teams leveraging AI to address national challenges
Due date: April 28, 2026
NSF NQVL – Quantum Testbeds
Topic: Quantum engineering, AI, robotics, bioengineering
Audience: Individual investigators
Due date: July 24, 2026
Cornell Research & Innovation
Looking for Cornell-internal funding? Several Cornell entities offer opportunities for faculty, postdocs, and students.
For Startups
D-Prize
Funding: $20K
Topic: Social entrepreneurship
Audience: NGOs and early-stage ventures
Ongoing
2030 Fund
Funding: $100K – $1.5M
Topic: Climate tech
Audience: Seed and early-stage startups (based in Massachusetts)
Ongoing
NYS Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
Topic: Legal support + accounting guidance + financial advising
Audience: Very small businesses (VSB) and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI)
Ongoing
Urban Future Prize Competition
Funding: $5oK non-dilutive
Topic: Climate mitigation and adaptation
Audience: Climatetech founders
Due date: April 27, 2026
Falling Walls Global Call 2026
Topic: Pitch competition at a Summit in Berlin from 6 to 9 November 2026
Audience: Science-based startups under 5 years old
Due date: April 15, 2026
Real-Time 3D Cardiac Ultrasound Innovation Challenge
Funding: $50K
Topic: Real-time 3D cardiac ultrasound imaging; structural heart and electrophysiology care
Audience: Innovators and companies developing non-invasive cardiac imaging technologies
Due date: May 8, 2026
Blue Ridge Labs Founder Fellowship
Funding: $20K stipend + mentorship, user testing, and co-working space
Topic: Technology-enabled ventures for economic mobility
Audience: Early-stage founders, with or without a prototype or co-founder
Due date: May 6, 2026
