CO-WY Engine RFP
Accelerate commercialization of climate resilience innovations
Startups and universities translating climate change R&D into practice
CO-WY Engine’s Translation Grant Program
The Translation Grant Program has four main goals,which are aligned with those of the NSF Engines initiative and other CO-WYEngine programs:
- Enhance the translation pathway of climate resilience solutions at speed and scale;
- Bridge the funding/resource gap for accelerated translation;
- Support growth of the translational climate innovation ecosystem;
- Foster inclusivity.
Proposals should showcase a solid product-market fit, collaboration with industry partners, and a roadmap for securing additional translational funding. This program values diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and will follow a transparent and equitable process for selecting and supporting prospective projects.
Translation grants should accelerate the commercialization of innovations into tangible commercial products, services, or solutions that address climate resiliency.
Examples of leverage include:
Cash or In-Kind Contributions: New or existing contributions specifically allocated to the project. Cash contributions include hard dollars and salaries/fringe paid to employees. In-kind contributions are non-cash resources that may include but are not limited to volunteered personnel time, donated equipment, office or laboratory space, data sets including industrial testbeds, goods and services.
Collaborations and Partnerships: Partnerships with local government, nonprofits, industry, etc. that allow for shared resources, expertise, and joint efforts to achievecommon goals.
Leveraging Existing Programs: Integration with existing initiatives. For example, a workforce development program might align with state-level job training programs to maximize impact.
Leveraging Data and Research: Existing research, data, or studies that inform the project and helps avoid duplication of efforts and ensures evidence-based decision-making.
Leveraging Innovative Technology: Utilizing existing technology to enhance program efficiency, e.g., edge computing to reduce latency and bandwidth, cloud-based platforms for data management or mobile apps for outreach to optimize resources.
Internal Organizational Capacity Building: Training staff, improving infrastructure, and enhancing organizational processes to contribute to long-term sustainability.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration with private companies leading to shared resources, funding, and expertise.
Leveraging Existing Community Assets: Utilizing community assets (such as libraries, community centers, or schools) to enhance program reach and effectiveness.
Non-Federal Award Stacking: Organizations can leverage award funding from other non-federal, public, and private sources to address interconnected issues and create comprehensive solutions.
Apply today via InfoReady
- Click here or on the orange Application button at the top right. You’ll be redirected to the InfoReady application interface.
- Log in or create an InfoReady account.
- Click the InfoReady Apply button at the top right.
- Complete the application.
- You can save your application as a draft before submitting. Find drafts in the Applications tab.
- Be sure to Submit your application. Drafts will not be reviewed.
Translation Grant application period
Eligibility information
Startup ventures or university based research teams from specified institutions based in Colorado and Wyoming.
Multiple grants for the continuation of the same project/technology will be considered for funding through this program.
University-lead teams must apply institutionally through their sponsored program office, using the regular procedures for their institutions. The Engine will not accept proposals that come directly through University PIs that were not reviewed and approved for submission by their institution.
Award information
The Translation Program will fund projects ranging from $250K to $750K each.
Grant cycles
Anticipated two grant cycles in 2024 award year.
Formal extensions can be requested for up to six additional months with significant progress and adequate justification.
To obtain follow-on funding from the program, awardees must show significant progress from the use of previous funds and this progress will be considered as part of the evaluation process.
Notification of awards
Use of funds for Translation Program projects
The CO-WY Engine will fund translational projects in areas with the potential to contribute to solutions in climate resiliency.
Approved challenges, solutions, and opportunity areas that will be considered are in this funding cycle are:
- Complex Earth Sensing;
- Soil Carbon Capture Data & Analytics;
- Methane Emissions Analysis;
- Extreme Weather Modeling;
- Wildfire Risk & Prediction;
- Water Availability Prediction.
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