INSTRUCTIONS: All applications will be reviewed by a panel of UC faculty and outside business professionals. In order for the panel to fully evaluate your proposal, please answer questions as specifically as possible so that the committee is able to understand your business concept and assess your application. However, do not include any proprietary information.

The proposal should be no more than 2 pages of text and address the following elements in order:

Title of Project:

Applicants' name(s) and University position(s):

Applicants' Contact information:

Email Address:

Phone:

Fax:

Other partners involved (including external partners):

Contact information for Partners:

Email Address:

Phone:

Fax:

Please respond to each question in 250 words or less

Provide a clear statement of the products/services being developed:

What is the product or service?
What purpose does it serve?

What is the unmet market need or significant problem to be solved?

How does the proposal offer a unique solution?

What is the overall market size for the product/service
and what market segments offer the greatest opportunities?

Who is the customer and how many currently use similar products/services?
What is estimated dollar value of the US and/or international markets?
How is this market growing / projected to grow?
Who are the key competitors?

What is the competitive advantage that this solution offers over others?

Who are the team members who will successfully complete the proposed
project and what expertise do they bring to the project?

Name, Title, Company Name, Role(s) in Project, Expertise

What benefits will the university receive by investing in this proposal?

Potential for University patents, copyright, trademarks or other intellectual property based on inventions developed by faculty
Generation of royalty revenue from licenses executed
Increased potential for faculty to secure additional sponsored research
Other – please describe

If a faculty start-up or other company is involved in this proposal,
what is the relationship with the University?

Names of companies involved in the proposal
Business relationship in place or expected as a result of pursing this opportunity

What funding amount is requested and how will it be used?
Is any match, funding or in-kind, to support this project?

Examples of fundable projects - building a product prototype, conducting proof of concept experiments, conducting a market study, pilot study to test business model for a service business, experienced consultant to write business plan
Allowable costs - contractors and consultants, materials and supplies, equipment (only if specific to conduct of this project)
Non-allowable costs - patent expenses, salaries of university employees, travel, general use equipment or supplies
Matching funds might be from industry partners, grants or contracts or other non-university funds

Next Submission and Notification Deadline

Submission Deadline: September 15, 2008
Notification: October 3, 2008

Entrepreneurial Launch Pad Applications