RAIN is a source of competitive funds for researchers within the College of Agricultural Sciences who are prepared to take the next steps in transitioning technologies generated through their research to commercialization.

Research Applications for INnovation (RAIN) grants help investigators to explore the feasibility of commercializing their research. For example, RAIN funds may be used to assist in overcoming hurdles faced in the process, to validate commercial application of a technology, or to strengthen the intellectual property position with further testing and data collection. These funds are intended to establish proof of concept or demonstration of a technology. The RAIN program does not support basic research or research and development for industry licensees that are already lined up.

Read more about previous RAIN grant awardees.

Request for Proposals

Please review the 2025-26 RAIN RFP for additional details and instructions for applying.

All interested applicants to this program are encouraged to schedule pre-submission consultations with Maria Spencer, Assistant Clinical Professor and John and Patty Warehime Entrepreneur in Residence (mtk15@psu.edu), and Scott Welsh, Commercialization Advisor (swwelsh@fieldstoneinnovations.com). Conversations about early-stage ideas are also encouraged.

Download the RAIN RFP

Proposal Concept Note

(200 words maximum)
A Proposal Concept Note summarizing the project is required. The concept notes will be reviewed by the E&I Program Committee to provide feedback on project suitability and approach prior to submitting the full proposal. The components of the Proposal Narrative (see “Full Proposal Outline" in the RFP) can serve as a guideline when preparing the Proposal Concept Note.

If you plan to submit a full proposal, please use InfoReady to register your intent by Friday, February 28, 2025.

SUBMIT CONCEPT NOTE

Full Proposals

Full proposals must be submitted as a unified PDF by April 4, 2025, to the Office for Research and Graduate Education through InfoReady. The full proposal portal will become active after March 3, 2025.

SUBMIT FULL PROPOSAL

Office for Research and Graduate Education

Address

217 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802

Office for Research and Graduate Education

Address

217 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802