Software Startup Development Program (SSD)
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. The University of Minnesota will have an ownership interest in new IP, and improvements to existing IP, conceived and/or developed by awardees and University employees under this award.
SSD Phase 2
Upon successful completion of Phase 1, recipients may be awarded Phase 2 and receive a UMN investment of up to $35,000 in the startup company.
For open-source software-based startups, additional community development support may be available.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to all UMN researchers and employees, including faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and staff, as well as undergraduate students. 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 level (TRL) of an innovation through a variety of means, including: support for resources to advance a technology (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., cover additional travel expenses that are part of MIN-Corps program).
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 submission requires an Intellectual Property Disclosure Form (IPDF). Once the SSD application is submitted, Tech Comm will reach out to the PI about submitting a disclosure. If this project is associated with an existing disclosure, please provide your case number in the application form.
- 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
March 2, 2026 - Application opens
March 31, 2026 - Applications due
By May 1, 2026 - 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
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?
Since 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?
Salaries/overhead for faculty, staff, or graduate students working on the project during the school year are typically excluded from project budgets. 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 UMN students on an hourly basis, or hiring an external service via a purchase order, 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?
- Does the innovation address a real commercial need or opportunity?
Questions?
Contact Sandipan Banerjee ([email protected]), Technology Portfolio Manager.