Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University Libraries is currently accepting applications for the Orange Innovation Fund grant, available to both graduate and undergraduate students. The application window is open until Friday, March 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. Students interested in applying can find the application template online or request an application package via email at OrangeInnovation@syr.edu.

The grants offer up to $5,000 per award with a total of up to $50,000 available per academic year. These funds support student research initiatives that emerge from campus innovation programs. The fund aims to assist students in progressing their projects from ideation through proof of concept to commercialization. Initial funding was provided by Raj-Ann Rekhi Gill ’98 through a gift to the Libraries.

Administered by Syracuse University Libraries, the program collaborates with various university research and commercialization programs such as SOURCE, Blackstone LaunchPad, Couri Hatchery, Invent@SU, NEXIS, and others. Applicants may also apply through research classes or independent study programs across the university.

Applicants must specify tangible needs related to their product or service development. The grants are intended for projects with defined outcomes that move toward proof of concept and eventual commercialization.

Linda Dickerson Hartsock serves as an advisor for Strategic Initiatives and offers coaching sessions for applicants on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Interested students can schedule these sessions by emailing ldhart01@syr.edu.

An interdisciplinary team consisting of research faculty and alumni experts will review the applications. Announcements regarding successful applications will be made in mid-April following the review process.

In previous rounds of funding, seven student teams received awards in Fall 2024 while nine teams were awarded in Spring 2024.