RAIN Grants Program

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 2024-25 RAIN RFP for additional details and instructions for applying.

For questions regarding commercialization of research, contact Maria Spencer, Assistant Clinical Professor and John and Patty Warehime Entrepreneur in Residence (mtk15@psu.edu) or Scott Welsh, Commercialization Advisor (swwelsh@fieldstoneinnovations.com).

Download the RAIN RFP

Proposal Concept Note

(200 words maximum)
A Proposal Concept Note summarizing the project is required (NOTE: this is a new requirement). 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 16, 2024.

SUBMIT CONCEPT NOTE

Full Proposals

Full proposals must be submitted as a unified PDF by April 5, 2024, to the Office for Research and Graduate Education through InfoReady. The full proposal portal will become active after February 19, 2024.

SUBMIT FULL PROPOSAL