Software Startup Development Program (SSD)

Software Startup Development - Technology Commercialization. A person sits at a desk, face illuminated by a computer screen.

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. 
 

SSD Phase 1

In this phase, the program 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.
 

SSD 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.

For open-source software-based startups, the SSD program includes community development support.
 

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to all UMN researchers and employees, including faculty, postdocs, graduate students, undergraduate students, 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.
 

Fund Scope

The SSD program is designed to help advance the technology readiness of an innovation through a variety of means, including: support for resources to advance an innovation (e.g., buying/renting equipment or subscription for required software); access to services, expertise, or personnel (e.g., student worker); dissemination or implementation of innovations to generate user feedback; and entrepreneurial exploration (e.g., travel for customer conversations that are part of MIN-Corps or I-Corps programs). 

Project Requirements

  • Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or a Proof-of-Concept deliverable using the Phase 1 funding and complete other requirements (such as the MIN-Corps program).
  • The UMN-owned software intellectual property (IP) developed using the SSD Phase 1 funding must be licensed to the registered startup company for Phase 2 funding eligibility.
  • The lead investigator must be a UMN faculty, staff, postdoc, grad, or undergrad student.
  • The project must be based on a new Intellectual Property Disclosure Form (IPDF) recently submitted to Tech Comm, or the advancement of an existing IP case that would lead to the development of new intellectual property.
  • Commitment to stay connected with and provide updates to Tech Comm throughout the project lifecycle.
     

How to Apply

Application Timeline for SSD Phase 1 Funding

February 28, 2025 - Application opens
March 21, 2025 - Applications due
By April 21, 2025 - Awardees announced

Apply Here: z.umn.edu/ssd-application 

The timeline for SSD Phase 2 would be specific to each awarded project and how soon the Phase 1 requirements are completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

What is the funding source for this program?

Awards are funded by Technology Commercialization, within the Research and Innovation Office at the University of Minnesota. Award budgets are set up with a UMN chartstring that is shared with the PI for project-related expenses. For projects with an undergraduate student as the lead PI, the award would be provided via check. Awards are not issued through the Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) office and do not include any indirect (F&A) expenses. PIs are responsible for the management of the chartstring budget and compliance with UMN Finance policies during their award period.

Can I submit more than one project application in this cycle?

Yes, however, the key objective of the SSD program is to fund a technology that would support the development of a startup company. As a result, it is highly unlikely that more than one project will be funded for a specific individual/team in a single cycle since it is expected that the team will be working on one project and move it to the next phase. If a project isn’t funded in one cycle it can be resubmitted for consideration in subsequent funding cycles.

If I am working with people from other institutions on this project, will it still be considered for funding?

As long as the University of Minnesota has an ownership stake in the technology, it can be considered for SSD funding. One of the requirements of SSD is that the IP developed from the Phase 1 funding is owned by the University, and this includes technology that is co-owned with other institutions. Other external institutions or companies that provide services that could help advance the technology can also be engaged to help advance a project.

What types of expenses can I include in the budget for my project? Which expenses aren’t allowed?

The one item that we typically exclude from project budgets is salaries/overhead for faculty, staff, or graduate students working on the project during the school year. Budgets can include:

  • Costs for purchasing or renting materials, equipment, or other resources
  • Fees to access specialized services, expertise, or personnel
  • Costs associated with hiring workers (including students) to carry out specific tasks
  • Expenses (e.g., travel) related to generating user/customer feedback or other entrepreneurial activities

What criteria are used to determine which projects receive funding?

  • Will the project advance the innovation toward the next stage in development?
  • Are the project goals likely to be achieved through the proposed work plan and within the proposed budget?
  • Does the team include appropriate expertise and collaborations to complete the proposed scope of work?

Questions?

Contact Sandipan Banerjee ([email protected]), Technology Portfolio Manager.