Give your startup the boost it needs!

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. APPLY BY JULY 31ST!

Texas Tech University has partnered with Market Lubbock, Inc. to establish the Presidents' Innovative Startup Award. The objectives of the grant from Market Lubbock include 1) programs for students and entrepreneurs; 2) seed-stage funding for startups; and 3) seed grants for startups to support equipment and rental expense at the Innovation Hub at Research Park (Hub).

A committee of TTUS faculty, Hub staff, and TTUS facility staff determine the top applicant startups that exemplify innovation and commercialization. Prior participation in other Innovation Hub programs can make your application more competitive (NSF I-Corps and TTU Accelerator Program). The committee will review applicant budgets and make a recommendation that may or may not require adjustments to the budget submitted in the application. Final decisions for awards are made by the TTU President and TTUHSC President.

2023 Winners

The awardees of this prestigious Presidential grant will be announced in September 2024. Here are four awards by each President in the following categories:  

1- $25,000 award
1- $15,000 award
2- $5,000 awards or 1- $10,000 award

The lease contract for these awards will begin in September and run for a one-year period.

Grant Eligibility:

All TTUS students, faculty, and staff are eligible. All community members are eligible. All applicants must have formed a company to be considered for the award. Additionally, the company needs to present a product with innovation. Please note that small businesses without a distinct innovative product are not supported. Prior awardees of the PISA grant are ineligible to submit unless the application is for a different startup company.