Innovosource proudly presents GAP COA, the Community of Action Program for academic-affiliated innovation, proof of concept, startup, and venture gap fund and accelerator programs. Established in 2018, GAP COA has become the go-to resource for university, hospital, and research institution leaders aiming to establish or enhance their gap fund and accelerator initiatives.

The journey of GAP COA is backed by over 17 years of dedicated support for more than 300 gap fund and accelerator programs through the innovosource Mind the Gap initiative. Our mission is to foster a collaborative environment that nurtures innovation, encourages entrepreneurial spirit, and empowers academic institutions to transform groundbreaking ideas into tangible real-world solutions.

Defining Gap Fund and Accelerator Program (GAP) 

GAP COA places paramount importance on defining the essential aspects of Gap Fund and Accelerator Program (GAP) approaches. By providing a comprehensive understanding of these initiatives, we equip universities, hospitals, and research institutions with the knowledge required to make informed decisions about their GAP programs.

Raising and Sustaining GAP Funding

Sustaining funding for GAP programs is often a significant challenge. At GAP COA, we share best practices and proven strategies to raise and sustain GAP funding effectively. Our community collaborates to explore diverse funding sources, including grants, investments, and partnerships, ensuring long-term viability for GAP initiatives.

Communicating the Value, Need, and Expectations 

Effective communication is the key to success in any endeavor. We guide academic leaders on how to articulate the value, necessity, and expectations of their programs to stakeholders, potential investors, and the broader community. Clear and compelling communication fosters support and enthusiasm for initiatives.

Coordinating with Campus Units and Priorities

To achieve optimal results, GAP programs must align with the priorities and objectives of academic institutions. Our community at GAP COA helps academic leaders coordinate their programs with various campus units and institutional goals, facilitating seamless integration and resource optimization.

Implementing Policies and Incentives (P&I) 

The implementation of effective policies and incentives is vital for the success of GAP initiatives. It provides valuable insights on crafting policies and incentives that encourage innovation, attract talent, and drive entrepreneurial activities within the academic community.

Managing Inventor Involvement

Inventor involvement plays a crucial role in these programs. Our community shares best practices for managing inventor engagement and participation throughout the process, ensuring a collaborative and supportive environment for inventors to bring their ideas to fruition.

Collaborating with Commercial and Investment Partners

Collaborating with external commercial and investment partners is essential for the growth and sustainability of programs. We offer guidance on how academic institutions can attract and establish fruitful collaborations with industry partners and investors.

Evaluating Technologies and Startups 

Making informed decisions about technologies and startups is vital for allocating resources wisely. Our community assists GAP leaders in evaluating technologies and startups, providing them with the necessary tools and frameworks to make data-driven choices for grants and investments.

Structuring the Financing and Ownership 

The financial and ownership structures of GAP technologies and startups can significantly impact their success. GAP COA shares expertise in designing optimal financing and ownership models that promote growth, incentivize stakeholders and drive innovation.

Cultivating GAP Talent, Mentorship, and Development Support Programs

Nurturing talent and fostering a culture of mentorship are cornerstones of successful GAP programs. Our community emphasizes the importance of cultivating GAP talent and provides guidance on establishing robust mentorship and development support programs.

Assessing and Reporting Impact and Performance Metrics

Measuring the impact and performance of these programs is essential for continuous improvement. We help academic institutions establish comprehensive assessment and reporting mechanisms, enabling them to track progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make data-backed decisions for future growth.

GAP COA, the Community of Action Program for academic-affiliated innovation, proof of concept, startup, and venture gap fund and accelerator programs, is a transformative resource for universities, hospitals, and research institutions. 

Our commitment to empowering academic leaders, fostering innovation, and driving entrepreneurial spirit sets us apart. By embracing best practices across various focus areas, academic institutions can optimize their GAP programs and cultivate a vibrant culture of innovation.

Join the vibrant GAP COA community today to unlock the full potential of your academic institution’s gap fund and accelerator programs. Together, we can build a future where groundbreaking ideas translate into real-world solutions, impacting lives and shaping a better world.