CFAs: Nebraska Innovation Fund Prototype Grants (US)

The Nebraska Innovation Fund (NIF) Prototype Grant is a matching program that provides financial assistance for new product development to businesses operating in Nebraska.

Funding Information

• Prototype grants are awarded at up to $150,000 per project.
• Applicants must be businesses operating in Nebraska that can provide a minimum of 50% of the grant request as matching funds. Projects qualifying as value-added agriculture require a reduced match of 25%.
• Grant funds are accessed via reimbursement. DED reimburses project costs at a rate of 66%, or 80% for value-added agriculture projects.
• Eligible applicants must submit an application form and provide a business plan, plus evidence of matching funds.
• If approved, the project must be completed and all funds drawn down within 24 months.

Eligible Use of Funds

• Pre-Seed Stage funds may be used for creating a prototype of a product stemming from research and development at a business operating in Nebraska or research at a public or private college or university in Nebraska.

Eligible Matching Funds 

• Includes any non-state source such as private foundations, federal or local governments, quasi-governmental entities, commercial lending institutions, investors, or other sources provided they are not using funds appropriated by the Nebraska Legislature. Matching funds must be in the form of a cash match.

Eligibility Criteria

• Any Nebraska based corporation, Limited Liability Company, partnership, registered limited partnership, business trust, or other entity with less than 500 employees, engaged in non-retail primary industries that are adding value to products or processes in Nebraska.

Project Selection

• For each application submitted, DED will perform an independent review, and at DED’s discretion, may utilize the assistance of outside experts. DED prioritizes projects according to the following criteria:
  • application meets the eligibility requirements for the Prototype grant;
  • product under development is a platform technology, scalable, and/or has high-growth potential;
  • technology description and business plan are sufficient for review;
  • demonstrates the resources necessary to match state funding;
  • sufficient detail on the nature and cost of work that will utilize the Prototype grant;
  • innovative approach(es) to a demonstrable problem;
  • strong potential to support a business and provide meaningful employment and revenue generation in the State of Nebraska.

For more information, visit DED.