Proof of Product (PoP) calibrates and accelerates the pathway to market for promising UCI discoveries
Proof of Product (PoP) is a transformative resource for UC Irvine researchers, designed to infuse use-inspiration and critical funds into commercially promising research projects. Through rigorous review, feedback and selection by domain experts, researchers can seek up to $100,000 in critical funding to advance commercialization. This crucial support underwrites a spectrum of activities, including customer discovery efforts, feasibility studies, and prototype development. These pivotal phases of commercial validation enhance a project’s appeal to investors and refine its marketability with industry partners.
Spring 2024 Schedule:
March 22, 2024 Letters of Intent due
March 22, 2024 Record of Invention / Record of Information (ROI) due
April 19, 2024 Proposals due
June 21, 2024 Awards announced
July 1, 2024 Project start date
December 31, 2024 Project end date
January 31, 2025 Project report due
Key Benefits
Driven by expert review from industry partners
Critical funding for assessing commercial potential
Strengthens potential for future funding and impact
{ flickityResize() });">
FAQs for Researchers