Through a grant funded by the Kansas Department of Commerce, WSU Ventures at Wichita State University will award up to $100,000 to approximately five businesses or start-ups to fund high-potential technologies with a commercialization timeline of less than 18 months.

The Competitive Innovation Accelerator seeks start-ups and small, medium and large businesses with technology that is near market-ready for awards of up to $20,000 each.

Funding can be used for technical assistance, feasibility studies, planning, market intelligence, laboratory fees, technology or process development, faculty or student wages and training software/information technology.

Priority will be given to technologies that involve the following: advanced materials manufacturing, tooling, assembly, joining and coating; precision machining; information technology; flexible automation; process improvements for prototyping and manufacturing; continuous process control; and simulation/test infrastructure and modeling.

Selection criteria includes potential for economic impact, alignment with strategic objectives and student involvement, strength of the partnership, plans for long-term collaboration with WSU and technical merit.

The goal of the Competitive Innovation Accelerator is to identify and fund technologies that will create and retain jobs in Kansas.

Interested parties must submit a proposal to WSU Ventures by Dec. 5, and winners will be announced on Jan. 9, 2015. For complete application instructions, visit www.wsuventures.org.