The Software Startup Development (SSD) program is a competitive two-phase funding program to support the creation and development of University of Minnesota (UMN) startups in the software space.
Phase 1 - Provides up to $10,000 per project to advance early-stage innovations that include a software component. The goal is to support projects that involve forming a startup company around the technology developed via Phase 1 funding.
Phase 2 - Upon completion of Phase 1 and selection to Phase 2, recipients receive a UMN investment of up to $35,000 in the startup company and are eligible to apply for matching funds up to $35,000 with the Launch MN Innovation Grants program from the State of Minnesota.
This opportunity is open to all UMN researchers and employees, including faculty, postdocs, students (graduate and undergraduate), and staff. We encourage everyone who has an idea about forming a startup company that includes a software component as part of the technology around it to apply for this program
Applications open for Phase 1 projects on February 28. Applications are due March 21. Awards will be announced by April 21. The timeline for SSD Phase 2 would be specific to each awarded project and how soon the Phase 1 requirements are completed.
An online information session was held March 18 to provide an overview of the program and answer questions.
Learn more about the Software Startup Development program and apply