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Application Process

Innovation Voucher Program Closed for 2024

As of November 1st, 2024, the Innovation Voucher Program has closed for the remainder of the year. We are excited about the projects that have been accepted this year. We plan to reopen applications in January 2025, with exact dates to be announced soon.

In the meantime, we encourage interested applicants, especially those affiliated with universities, to begin preparing their materials. Resources are available to support you in this process:

Preparing these documents in advance can help streamline your application once the program resumes in January. For any questions or additional support, please contact our team directly.

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If you are already paired with a University Partner

 

The application will resume in January

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If you need to be matched with a University Partner

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If you need to be connect with one of our team members

Application Process
  • Interested SMEs will submit an interest form via the program website at www.ilinnovouchers.org
  • Applicants will then attend an info session and meet and greet event for an opportunity to ask questions, get clarification, and explore opportunities for collaboration
  • Once the applicant has selected a university partner, led by the SME, they will jointly submit an application form provided by ISTC 
  • Applications will be open and evaluated on a rolling bases with decisions and funding released within 60 days 
Application Review 
  • Primary Application Review
    • Confirm or Identify research partner for SME and make introductions and assist in application process. 
    • Review Innovation Voucher applications for eligibility
    • Evaluate the merits of applications for Innovation Vouchers
  • Secondary sector advisor review if needed
    • Review of innovation viability
    • Special circumstances outlined in project
    • Advice on questions/obstacles that have been identified by ISTC team 
  • Awardee Selection
    • Confirmation of higher education research partner (signed agreement)
    • Confirmation of SME (signed agreement)
    • Submitting proposed SME awardees to DCEO for review
    • Receive DCEO approval
    • Inform SME and research partner
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Post Award Evaluation Checkpoints
  • Provide regular programmatic reporting to the Department, including program milestone, issues, outcomes and successes
  • Provide recommendations for improving the program
  • Provide feedback to DCEO regarding optimal parameters and best practices for the Innovation Voucher program
  • Create a yearly program impact report
  • Create a process for long-term data collection on SMEs 

Questions about the process?

Book a meeting to connect with an IIV team member

Connect with a team member to answer any questions you have and walk through the application process.