WARF Ventures invests in startup companies founded to commercialize University of Wisconsin–Madison or Morgridge Institute for Research technologies. Funding from seed through growth stage available.
graduate
Clinton Global Initiative University
This annual conference is for students, university professionals, topic experts and celebrities who gather to discuss and develop solutions to pressing global challenges. As a prerequisite of attending, students develop their own Commitments to Action. Students selected by the foundation to attend the annual meeting are eligible for financial support.
Governor’s Business Plan Competition
This annual event aims to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-based businesses in Wisconsin. Contest categories are advanced manufacturing, business services, information technology and life sciences.
Arts Business Competition
This campus-wide competition encourages new thinking and innovative ideas, and provides support for student-driven projects. Entrants will develop and submit a thorough proposal for an arts event, exhibition, series, commercial venture, or other artistic project.
Transcend UW
The Transcend Madison Innovation Competition is a student-led effort open to any degree-seeking UW–Madison students or recent alumni who are interested in creating their own ventures. Winners share in substantial cash prizes.
Weinert Applied Ventures in Entrepreneurship
The WAVE class provides students with an applied practicum in starting and growing entrepreneurial businesses. Promising student startups developed by graduates of the WAVE program are eligible to receive loans of up to $50,000.
WSB Entrepreneurial Training Program
This grant-based program is presented in cooperation with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to qualified applicants. Includes: BizSmart Training for Entrepreneurs, one-on-one consulting and expert business plan review.
Evidence to Implementation Award
This award is designed to expedite the transfer or commercialization of evidence-based practices, interventions, and innovations to appropriate end-users using the Dissemination & Implementation Launchpad Program.
Translational Basic and Research Pilot Awards
This award addresses translational basic discovery activities (biological, social, behavioral mechanisms that underlie disease); development of biomarkers, target and lead molecules, and devices (mechanical, computational); preclinical and animal models; translation of discovery to patients.
SBIR Advance Program
The SBIR Advance program provides up to $100,000 in state match funding, training, and other resources to incorporated Wisconsin startups to advance the commercialization of technology funded by Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.