High Impact Technology (HIT) Fund — 2026 Call for Pre-Proposals
The High Impact Technology (HIT) Fund empowers Stanford innovators to transform breakthrough technology into real-world impact. Our program helps you to develop a business-centric mindset, increasing both the pace and potential for success on the journey from researcher to entrepreneur or licensor.
The effectiveness of the HIT Fund program is backed by a proven track record:
- 24 startups launched
- multiple corporate licenses secured
- more than $150 million in commercial funding raised
Bespoke advisory team: We surround you with zero-to-one founders, domain experts, and commercialization strategists who know your field and your market.
Guidance and funding to de-risk your path to investment: Receive clear guidance and non-dilutive funding up to $250k to address both technical and business milestones that matter most to future funders and industry partners.
Embedded MBA Fellow: Gain a dedicated business partner, deeply engaged and mentored by HIT Fund leadership.
Build and validate your commercial strategy: From the value proposition, market entry plan, to a scalable business model — step by step.
Compelling narrative: Synthesize your scientific achievement and market opportunity into a story that stands up to investor and licensee scrutiny.
Networked introductions: Test your approach with investor feedback then connect directly with aligned VCs and industry leaders.
Learn more and apply at goto.stanford.edu/HITfund
For questions associated with the HIT Fund or the application process please contact: TheHITfund@stanford.edu
- Technology is in development phase, with a completed proof of concept / prototype.
- Clear hypothesis of market need and compelling competitive advantage.
- Proposed milestones address critical risks, both technical and commercial, enabling external licensing discussions or fund-raising for a startup.
- Current Stanford faculty, students, postdocs, or staff members in any Stanford school or institute
- Each proposal must have at least one faculty member as a principal investigator (PI) who can either be an active team participant or sponsor
- The project must have a clearly identifiable innovation component that has been previously disclosed to the Stanford Office of Technology Licensing (OTL). New disclosures are due by May 8, to allow for processing.
Awards are for projects undertaken at Stanford University. This is a competitive selection process and only the top-ranked proposals will be awarded.
Examples of activities eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:
- Prototype test and refinement and/or pre-clinical studies
- Techno-economic analysis / Health-economic analysis
- Third-party expenses, such as materials purchases and contract manufacturing
- Stipends and salaries for students and postdocs
Research Compliance Questionnaire
