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
MedTech Innovator Vantage Non-Dilutive Funding
Funding: $50K – $200K
Topic: Diagnostics and medical devices
Audience: Startups and university-backed projects
Due date: October 15, 2026
Alpha Fellowship
Requirements: In-person in San Francisco; must have US work authorization
Due date: October 11, 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
MedTech Innovator Vantage Non-Dilutive Funding
Funding: $50K – $200K
Topic: Diagnostics and medical devices
Audience: Startups and university-backed projects
Due date: October 15, 2026
The Spinoff Prize
Funding: €30K
Topic: Commercialization of university research (life sciences & physical sciences)
Audience: Early-stage university spin-off companies
Requirement: Finalist spin-offs will pitch at the slam panels on July 7- 8, 2027, in Heidelberg, Germany.
Due date: October 7, 2026
