UBLC’s Short-Term Funding Initiative to Foster Innovation

UBLC, supported by the World Bank AHEAD project, offered short-term funds to drive innovation commercialization. Emphasizing simplicity and practicality, UBLC selected projects that tackle real-world issues and cater to broad consumer needs within tight timeframes.

Projects eligible for funding must have a working prototype ready for demonstration. Funds are allocated to refine prototypes for market readiness and conduct limited batch manufacturing to gather customer feedback.

Eight projects, spanning various disciplines like engineering, textiles, and building economics, were chosen with input from industry experts. UBLC extends support beyond funding by assisting teams in licensing or establishing startup ventures. Teams enter into agreements with the university outlining funding terms, timelines, and royalties, ensuring a transparent and mutually beneficial partnership.