We are excited that the Stevens Translation Catalyst Applications are now open! This new initiative within USC’s Innovation Catalyst Program is designed to accelerate the translation of USC-owned intellectual property into products and services. It provides funding for validation and proof-of-concept work, enabling USC researchers to generate the essential data needed to:
- Strengthen the commercial readiness of USC technologies
- Attract industry partners or licensees
- Support startup formation and investment
Projects must be based on intellectual property owned by USC. Funding is for direct research activities conducted in USC laboratories by USC faculty, including prototype development, feasibility studies, validation, and proof-of-concept data generation. In select cases, Catalyst funds may also be used to offset university overhead in industry-sponsored research agreements when a commercial partner collaborates with an inventor’s lab to validate USC technology.
- Examples of projects eligible for the Stevens Translation Catalyst:
- Drug candidate optimization, including lead refinement, in vivo safety, efficacy, and dose-range studies
- Prototype development and functional testing for medical devices
- Validation of biomarker panels using real-world data or clinical studies (physical or software-based)
- Development of a software MVP or digital tool
- Materials manufacturing, property characterization, and early scale-up work
Information about the application:
Investment is up to $50,000
The application deadline is March 1, 2026
Program Details and Application can be found here: https://provost.sma.usc.edu/prog/icp_-_stevens_translation_catalyst/
If you have any questions, email rii@usc.edu.