JumpStart Microgrants

Got an idea? Need a jumpstart? Apply for a microgrant and start prototyping!

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED. PLEASE CHECK BACK IN SPRING 2027!

JumpStart Microgrants are designed to empower undergraduate students across the Texas Tech University System with early-stage funding to advance their innovative ideas. Open to students in any discipline, these microgrants provide essential support for transforming concepts into functional prototypes.

The JumpStart program helps bridge the critical gap between ideation and execution. Through seed funding, mentorship opportunities and access to resources at the Texas Tech Innovation Hub, undergraduates are equipped to validate ideas, test feasibility and create working prototypes.

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must be an undergraduate student in the Texas Tech University System and have a clear, well-developed startup idea.

Why should you apply for a JumpStart Microgrant?

1. Transform Your Idea into a Prototype
   Whether you are starting from scratch or refining an early concept, the JumpStart Microgrant provides the resources and support needed to create a tangible prototype from your innovative idea.
2. Strengthen Your Competitive Edge for Future Funding
   By building a strong prototype and demonstrating early progress, you will enhance your competitiveness for additional funding opportunities, including the Texas Tech Accelerator Program.

What amount of funding can you ask for?

JumpStart Microgrants are available in amounts of $500, $1,500, $2,500 or $5,000, depending on your project’s needs and goals. In your application, you will be asked to explain how you plan to use the funding—whether that is building a prototype, testing your idea or developing your minimum viable product.

To strengthen your application, be sure to include:

• A clear budget showing how the funding will be allocated.
• Specific project milestones you aim to reach.
• A timeline for when you will deliver each part of your project.

Your project should be able to make meaningful progress within one year of receiving the microgrant.

Note: Applicants should review the Allowable Budget Items document to understand which expenses are permitted under this program.

Applying for a JumpStart Microgrant is a simple process:

Step One

Review the JumpStart Microgrant Rubric and FAQs, which outlines the criteria needed for a competitive application. Criteria include a clearly identified target market, a prototype or MVP development plan, a reasonable and detailed budget, tangible milestones, a one-year timeline and participation in previous Innovation Hub or related programs.

Step Two

Applications are closed. Please check back in Spring 2027! Interested in learning more? Contact Ryan Bain at ryan.m.bain@ttu.edu .