Gates Grubstake Fund
The Gates Grubstake program provides gap funding to assist faculty in advancing promising projects that may be commercially viable. The program was established in 1994 by OTTCP's founding director Larry Gilbert with a gift from former Caltech trustee Charles C. Gates Jr. The grant supports the development of technology to the prototype or proof-of-concept stage.
THE 2026 CALL FOR PROPOSALS IS CURRENTLY OPEN - SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS
Applications must follow the template available below. Awards will be approximately $50,000-150,000 (direct costs). It is expected that budget requests be commensurate with the commercialization milestones proposed, which may vary depending on the project's technology sector.
The proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee consisting of internal members from Caltech (Vice Provost, faculty, Office of Technology Transfer & Corporate Partnerships) and external members with business, investment, and entrepreneurial experience. The selection committee will consider criteria including:
- scientific and technological merit and originality
- the significance and market potential of the problem being addressed
- the near-term potential to commercialize the technology
- translational impact of the available funding relative to the technology de-risking milestone(s) proposed
It is expected that funded project(s) would be launched as a startup suitable for venture-backed investment following conclusion of the award. It is strongly suggested that applicants review their proposal budget requests and expected outcomes with an OTTCP Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR), to establish a clear pathway to commercialization, prior to proposal submission. EIR contact information can be found here: OTTCP - Our Team.
Eligibility: The program is open to Caltech professorial faculty. Both tenured/tenure-track and research/teaching faculty may apply. Participation is limited to one proposal per faculty member.
Application Template: See drop-down menu below.
Submission instructions: Proposals should be submitted as a PDF email attachment to this Box address: [email protected]
Submission deadline: Friday May 1st, 2026
Award decisions: anticipated June 2026
Funding start date: anticipated June 2026
Questions regarding the preparation of proposals or the Gates Grubstake program in general should be directed to Case Cortese.
Applications are open to Caltech professorial faculty.
- A budget must be submitted with the application.
- Budget should include direct costs only, faculty effort at 10% of the total budget, and tuition remission and staff benefits as applicable. Indirect costs should not be included.
- Applicants should include a signed DAF but no MORA is necessary.
- It is expected that budget requests be commensurate with the commercialization milestones proposed. Maximum budget is $150K/year for milestone(s) that can be completed within one year.
- Budgets should not include a subaward component as funding is intended to support innovative faculty research on campus.
Yes, the DAF is available here.
Applicants should submit their proposal as a PDF email attachment to this Box address: [email protected]
Please contact Case Cortese.