Touchdown Awards

These awards aim to accelerate the translation of K-State intellectual property and innovative technologies toward commercialization or licensing opportunities. Faculty interested in applying for funding should contact the Kansas State University Research Foundation directly for more details on programs and requirements.

Program Design

  • Administered by the Kansas State University Research Foundation (KSURF) and funded from licensing revenue and royalties rather than from OVPR or One K-State intramural funds.
  • Award size and number of awards are determined annually by KSURF based on available licensing and royalty revenue and are announced in the KSURF call for proposals (to be determined).
  • Eligible activities include prototype development, validation studies, market assessments, and preparation for SBIR/STTR proposals or licensing discussions.
  • KSURF conducts the review in coordination with Innovation and Partnerships and the OVPR. ORD tracks TOUCHDOWN awards within the Ad Astra portfolio for reporting purposes.
  • There is no specific deadline for award applications. Faculty interested in applying should contact KSURF for details on available programs and application requirements.

Current Touchdown Award Funding Sources

  1. Innovation Advancement Awards
    • Supports advancement of technologies already disclosed to KSURF through invention disclosure
    • No application deadline
    • Application completed jointly by researcher and KSURF licensing associate
    • Not available through Piestar portal
    • Contact KSURF for details
  1. Royalty Reinvestment Department Fund
    • For faculty in departments that generate IP-related royalties
    • Tied to the new Royalty Revenue Sharing Program beginning January 1, 2027
    • Funding available starting July 1, 2027
    • KSURF will contact eligible departments directly with funding amounts and application deadlines
    • Not yet open for applications
  1. Startup/Spinout Fund
    • Applications not accepted at this time

Funding Duration

Up to two years.

Expected Outcome

Verifiable commercial progress, such as a license, patent, investment interest, or external commercialization funding.