Funding Opportunities

What funding opportunities are available?

Since the Harvard Innovation Labs opened its doors in 2011, we have given thousands of students from all 13 Harvard schools access to resources for every stage of their innovation journey — from programming that helps students nurture ideas at their earliest stages to expert advisors who mentor students through the process of turning their ideas into real-world ventures.

Capital is, of course, another key resource for early-stage ventures looking to develop their solutions and bring them to market – yet it can be relatively scarce and challenging to come by. We help here as well, connecting teams with funding and grant opportunities that can open new doors.

The following funding opportunities are available to Harvard student-led ventures.

 

President’s Innovation Challenge | The annual President’s Innovation Challenge, run by the Harvard Innovation Labs and held at the end of the spring semester, is a call to action, innovation and entrepreneurship – and an opportunity to win up to $75,000 in funding. Learn more >

Allston Venture Fund | An investment collaborative focused on providing support to Harvard-student lead ventures, the $6 million fund will be distributed over five years, and kicked off in 2019. Learn more >

Social Impact Fellowship Fund | Created to help recipients accelerate and advance their venture creation in social impact sectors, the Navab Fund will award $200,000 per year in grants to Harvard student-led ventures over five years, and kicked off in 2019. Learn More >

What is the social impact fellowship fund?

The Social Impact Fellowship Fund at the Harvard Innovation Lab was established in 2019 through the generosity of Alexander Navab, in honor of The Harvard Business School Campaign.

It was Mr. Navab’s hope that support from this fund would help recipients accelerate and advance their venture creation in social impact sectors.

How much funding is available?

Over the course of five years, the Social Impact Fellowship Fund will award $200,000 per year in grants to Harvard student-led ventures focused on social impact.

Who is eligible?

The fund supports both for-profit and nonprofit startups, and is available to students who participate in the Harvard Innovation Labs Venture Incubation Program.

How do I apply?

The application is available here. You should not include confidential information in your application. By submitting an application, you consent to the release of information contained in your application to The Allston Venture Fund.

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Spark Grants | Established to support student ventures across all 13 Harvard Schools, Spark Grants are awarded by the Harvard Innovation Labs. Spark Grants are intended to help students validate demand and build a strong foundation for continued growth. Ventures with a for-profit or a non-profit business model are welcome to apply. Learn more >

KEY DATES

President’s Innovation Challenge

Fall & Spring | Applications due in November

AVF/SIFF Applications

Fall | Apply by October
Spring | Apply by February
Summer | Apply by May

Spark Grants Applications

Fall | Apply by November
Spring | Apply by February