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Proof of Concept Commercialization Pilot Program (W911NF 16 R 0003) - FAQs

What is the Proof of Concept Commercialization Pilot Program?

The Proof of Concept Commercialization Pilot Program is a Department of Defense (DoD) grant opportunity designed to help existing or recently funded DoD research teams move basic research results closer to real-world use. Instead of supporting brand-new scientific discovery, it focuses on activities that accelerate transition, innovation, and commercialization for research already supported by DoD funding.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is W911NF 16 R 0003.

Who is this program intended to support?

This program is intended for current or recent DoD grant awardees in academic settings, particularly Principal Investigators and their teams, who have basic research results with clear potential to transition toward practical applications.

Does the program fund brand-new basic research projects?

No. The program is specifically aimed at leveraging and advancing outcomes from research that has already been supported by DoD grants, rather than funding new scientific discovery.

What is the main goal of the program?

The main goal is to bridge the gap between fundamental research and viable products or services by improving commercialization readiness and transition potential. The program emphasizes validating potential applications, clarifying value propositions, and preparing teams for the next stages of development and external investment.

What model does the program use to support commercialization?

The program uses the I Corps @ DoD model, which combines structured training, hands-on mentorship, and a modest amount of targeted funding to help research teams evaluate real-world needs and strengthen their pathways to adoption and follow-on funding.

What types of activities does the program support?

Based on the program description, supported activities include proof-of-concept and commercialization efforts such as prototyping refinement, validation work, customer discovery travel and engagement, market assessment, and other actions that help reduce risk in moving from lab results to a deployable or investable solution.

What does "customer discovery" mean in the context of this program?

Customer discovery refers to engaging with potential stakeholders and users to evaluate market needs and adoption requirements. Participants are expected to learn how to assess demand, test assumptions about who the customer is, and shape the innovation so it aligns with real problems and real decision-makers.

What does the DoD mean by "transition" in this opportunity?

In this context, transition means the research has clear promise to evolve into capabilities that could be adopted by government users or gain traction in broader markets. The program looks for teams that can demonstrate practical potential beyond technical feasibility.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to institutions of higher education, including public/state-controlled universities and private universities. Applicants are expected to be current or recent DoD grant awardees.

Are non-university organizations eligible to apply directly?

Based on the information provided, eligibility is limited to institutions of higher education. The description does note that the program encourages collaboration between academic researchers and industry partners, but it does not state that industry partners can apply as the primary applicant.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $70,000.

How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated approximately 10 awards.

What is the funding instrument type?

The funding instrument is a discretionary grant.

What CFDA program is associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is associated with CFDA 12.630 under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.

Which DoD organization administers the opportunity?

The administering organization is listed as DOD-AMC.

When was the opportunity originally posted?

The opportunity was originally posted on May 5, 2016.

What was the application deadline?

The application deadline was September 15, 2016.

What does the award size suggest about the program's purpose?

The award ceiling and the description suggest the funding is meant for targeted proof-of-concept and commercialization readiness activities, not large-scale R&D programs. It is positioned to help teams de-risk the transition path and get ready for the next stage of development and investment.

How does this program support commercialization beyond funding?

Beyond funding, the program provides structured training and hands-on mentorship through the I Corps @ DoD approach. The goal is to help teams improve their commercialization strategy, validate applications, and strengthen their readiness to attract follow-on resources.

What kinds of follow-on resources does the program aim to help teams pursue?

The program aims to position teams to attract follow-on resources, including third-party funding and external investment, by improving commercialization readiness and demonstrating clearer value propositions and adoption pathways.

Does the program encourage collaboration with industry?

Yes. The program explicitly supports the broader innovation ecosystem by encouraging collaboration between academic researchers and industry partners.

How does the program involve students?

The program description indicates it supports training students to think in entrepreneurial terms alongside their technical work, consistent with I-Corps style commercialization education.

Is this opportunity structured like an accelerator or cohort program?

The description suggests it was structured as a time-bound, cohort-style or cycle-based program typical of I-Corps style accelerators, based on the posting date, fixed deadline, and the I Corps @ DoD model.

What is the program's focus: technical feasibility or market readiness?

The program focuses on moving beyond technical feasibility toward commercialization and adoption readiness, including market assessment, customer discovery, value proposition development, and preparation for the next stage of development.