funding For Faculty & Staff
The Fuel Consumer IT* initiative is designed to support startups for U-M faculty and staff at the Ann Arbor campus. This grant provides a unique opportunity to secure funding for your consumer IT idea. Committed to empowering innovative ventures, Fuel Consumer IT offers up to $100K in non-dilutive grants, along with strategic support and expert guidance to help teams scale and thrive in a competitive market. Beyond funding, teams receive valuable feedback from a panel of five experienced entrepreneurial judges. Even those who don’t advance gain critical insights to strengthen their ventures. With non-competitive, ongoing support, Fuel Consumer IT helps teams achieve milestones and take the next important steps in building successful startups.
Apply now and turn your vision into reality!
Please scroll down and read FAQ before applying.
*Consumer IT defined as: Tech products and services, including devices, software, and platforms, designed for personal use by individuals for communication, entertainment, productivity, social interaction.
A. COUNTDOWN
Prepare to apply for Fuel Consumer IT by reviewing the application and budget templates. Don’t forget to check out the FAQ on the site.
B. IGNITION
Ready to apply for Fuel Consumer IT? Submit your online application by Noon, Tuesday March 25, 2025.
C. launch
Congratulations! Your team has advanced to the in-person presentations. Here’s what you need to know next.
fuel consumer it SCHEDULE & Method
Applications from U-M faculty and staff are accepted on a rolling basis. There will be four (4) application periods for the 2025-26 academic year.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of five dedicated judges. The most up-to-date calendar is published here.
FUEL CONSUMER IT INAUGURAL ROUND
March 25: Applications Due
April 8: Teams Notified of Advancement
April 15: Team Pitch Day
Non-dilutive grants range from $5,000 to $100,000.
U-M approves and distributes the full grant amount in two installments: 1/2 at the start of the grant and 1/2 after 12 weeks.
Fuel Consumer IT winners must be an incorporated business within 12 weeks of receiving the award. If they are not already incorporated.
U-M Ann Arbor faculty and staff who have ownership in an awarded business must complete the conflict of interest process and obtain Regent’s approval before receiving the grant.
BEFORE YOU APPLY, PLEASE READ THE FAQ BELOW
fuel consumer it faq
WHO CAN APPLY FOR FUEL Consumer it
To apply for Fuel Consumer IT funding, you must be a current faculty or staff member at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with a significant role in the startup, such as a co-founder, officer, leader, or someone working full-time on the venture.
Students with ventures should consider the primary Fuel Program for funding student ventures. Click to be directed to our Fuel page.
When Can i APPLY FOR fuel consumer it
Every other month, Fuel Consumer IT applications are due by noon on the 4th Tuesday of that month.
Please refer to this calendar for Fuel Consumer IT dates from now through April 2026.
how can i protect my intellectual property
Applicants should avoid including sensitive intellectual property in their application or presentation. This means not sharing technical details like materials processing, programming code, active contract negotiations, or any trade secrets. Only include information you’re comfortable sharing publicly.
Submitted materials will be shared with U-M staff and a select group of external professionals for assessment. If you have concerns or questions about intellectual property, contact Alison Smith at alisone@umich.edu before applying.
What expenses does Fuel consumer it support?
Ensure that your submitted budget prioritizes funding that directly supports achieving your venture’s next commercialization milestone. Funds can be used for:
- Prototype Development: Costs for developing a prototype or MVP.
- Equipment Purchase: Essential tools, materials, or software.
- Customer Discovery: Travel and conference fees for meeting potential customers.
- Professional Subscriptions: Services or tools needed for venture advancement.
Judges will closely evaluate these expenses to determine their relevance and alignment with the venture’s next critical step.
- Legal Services: IP protection or incorporation, unless crucial for the milestone.
- Interns or External Coders: Direct payments to these individuals will be scrutinized.
- General Professional Services: Services not directly tied to the immediate milestone.
Fuel Consumer it Application Review Criteria and Rubric
A rubric ensures clarity in evaluation Fuel Consumer IT applications for both applicants and judges.
Applicants should carefully review the rubric document to understand the assessment criteria.
Why would my fuel consumer it application not advance?
Unapproved Expenses: Applications with unapproved budget items will be returned before review. See “What Expenses Does Fuel Consumer IT Support” in the FAQ.
Need for Clarity: Judges may request more information for applications they find unclear. Ensure your explanation is understandable, even if the technology is complex. Consider explaining your idea as you would to a family member, making comparisons and highlighting its unique value.
How to qualify for in-person presentations
Judges will use a rubric to determine which teams meet the established criteria to advance to the next stage in Fuel Consumer IT. Teams are evaluated individually against the rubric, not compared to one another. If the majority of judges agree that a team should advance to presentations; the team will receive an invitation.
who are the fuel consumer it judges?
The judges’ panel for Fuel Consumer IT will consist of 5 dedicated individuals, including entrepreneurial staff, directors, and experienced entrepreneurs from the U-M external network. For pitch presentations, judges can participate in person or remotely.
HOW JUDGES DETERMINE FUNDING AWARDS
Judges will use the same rubric to evaluate which teams meet the funding criteria. Teams are assessed individually against a set cut-off point. After presentations, judges may ask follow-up questions and discuss the appropriate funding amount. If the majority agrees a team deserves funding, a notification will be sent to that team.
how is funding awarded
Fuel Consumer IT funds may be awarded to a corporation. Any U-M staff or faculty member receiving funds must obtain regental approval before disbursement. Further details will be provided upon award.
Who is my fuel consumer it contact
Please contact Alison Smith with your questions: alisone@umich.edu
Need more answers? Schedule a virtual meeting with Alison Smith