Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) Proof of Concept Grant
Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC)
Up to $100,000
Missouri's startup proof-of-concept grant
Missouri's state-funded proof-of-concept grant program — designed to bridge the funding gap between university-based research and commercially viable startup companies. MTC awards grants of up to $100,000 to Missouri-based researchers and early-stage companies working on technology innovations, enabling them to validate commercial feasibility and attract follow-on private investment. Awards are made through a competitive application process reviewed by MTC staff and an independent review committee.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $25,000 – $100,000
- Realistic amount
- Most MTC POC grants are in the $25,000–$75,000 range. A prototype development project validating a software-hardware int…
- Deadline
- Quarterly application cycles — specific deadlines published on MTC website. Applications reviewed by independent committee; awards announced within approximately 8–10 weeks of deadline.
- Status
- active
- States
- MO
- Payment model
- milestone
Who qualifies
- Applicant must be a Missouri-based early-stage company or researcher commercializing a technology innovation
- Technology must have a clear pathway to commercial viability — MTC evaluates market opportunity, technology differentiation, and IP position
- Projects with university research origin (University of Missouri system, Washington University, Saint Louis University, and other Missouri research universities) are a primary target demographic
- Grant must fund proof-of-concept activities — not general operations, marketing, or working capital
- Applicant must demonstrate that POC grant funding will enable the company to reach the next significant milestone (prototype validation, regulatory submission, initial customer data, etc.) and attract follow-on investment
- Project activities must occur in Missouri
- Missouri-based for-profit companies and startups are eligible; in some cycles, researchers applying on behalf of Missouri universities with a commercialization plan are eligible
Hard requirements
- Must be incorporated
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Prototype development and testing costs
- Laboratory supplies, materials, and testing fees
- Contract research and development services
- Intellectual property legal costs related to the POC technology (filing, prosecution)
- Personnel directly engaged in the proof-of-concept activities (salary/wages of researchers, engineers)
- Equipment essential to POC work and not available elsewhere (must be justified)
Ineligible expenses
- General marketing, sales, or business development activities
- Working capital or operating expenses for ongoing business activities
- Lobbying or regulatory affairs (beyond direct IP/regulatory filings tied to POC)
- Activities occurring outside Missouri
- Equipment that serves general business purposes beyond the specific POC project
- Costs incurred before grant agreement execution
How to apply
-
1
Contact MTC to confirm eligibility and current cycle
Reach out to MTC before applying to confirm the current cycle deadline, verify your technology area is eligible, and get feedback on whether your project aligns with MTC's POC program criteria.
~4 hrs
-
2
Prepare and submit POC grant application
Submit application including: technology description and IP position, market opportunity analysis, proof-of-concept work plan with milestones and budget, team qualifications, and plan for commercialization and follow-on funding after the grant period.
~4 hrs
-
3
Independent committee review
Applications reviewed by MTC staff and an independent expert committee with technology and commercialization expertise. Committee evaluates commercial potential, technical feasibility, team capability, and use of funds. Typically 6–8 weeks from submission to decision.
~4 hrs
-
4
Award decision and grant agreement execution
MTC notifies applicants of award decisions. Successful applicants execute a grant agreement with MTC specifying deliverables, milestones, budget restrictions, and reporting requirements.
~4 hrs
-
5
Execute POC project and report to MTC
Implement the proof-of-concept work plan within the agreed budget (typically 12 months). Submit progress reports and final completion report to MTC documenting milestones achieved and commercialization progress.
~4 hrs
MTC POC awards are more accessible for university-affiliated applicants — having a tech transfer office involved signals credibility. The committee values a concrete next-milestone plan ('this grant gets us to X, which unlocks Y funding') more than technical depth.
Deadline & timing
MTC accepts applications in quarterly cycles. Applicants are advised to contact MTC before submitting to confirm current cycle deadlines and whether the proposed technology area is eligible. MTC website (missouritechnology.com) blocked during research — confirm deadlines directly.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.