PROJECT FIT & READINESS
IP, COMPNIES & INDUSTRY PARTNERS
USE OF BIOREACH FUNDS
APPLICATION EVALUATION
FOLLOW-ON DEVELOPMENT
SUPPORT AFTER COMPANY FORAMTION
PROJECT FIT & READINESS
How do I know whether my project is a fit for BioREACH?
BioREACH supports translational research that advances an innovation toward a defined enablement platform, tool, or product for biomedical application. It does not fund basic science research. If you are unsure whether your project is a fit, attend a BioREACH information session or sign up for Office Hours.
What qualifies as translational research versus basic research?
BioREACH supports studies designed to resolve a defined scientific or technical question that is limiting the advancement of a technology toward an application. If you are unsure whether your proposed work is translational, sign up for Office Hours to discuss your project.
Does my project need to have a defined product already?
No.
Can research tools, computational platforms, AI methods, quantum technologies, imaging
technologies, or other enabling technologies qualify?
Yes. BioREACH welcomes enabling technologies that can be applied toward developing solutions for an unmet biomedical need or application.
How do I know whether my technology is at the right stage to apply?
BioREACH is intended for technologies moving beyond discovery toward translational studies and technology readiness. Attend a BioREACH information session or sign up for Office Hours to discuss your technology’s readiness and fit.
My research is fundamental and not yet applied — does this program apply to me?
Yes. BioREACH funding is designed to help academic researchers bridge the gap between fundamental discoveries and real-world application. If your research has the potential to address an unmet need — whether through a new therapeutic target, biomarker, diagnostic, or enabling technology — and will result in new intellectual property, or will add value to existing intellectual property, this program can help.
The Center for Biotechnology provides both funding and expert guidance to help address early-stage translation of breakthrough discoveries and position the work for follow-on funding, including traditional federal resources (NIH, NSF, DoD, etc.), Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer awards, or industry partnerships.
What kind of support does the Center for Biotechnology provide beyond funding?
Beyond funding, BioREACH offers:
– Guidance on translational strategy and commercialization pathways
– Connections to industry partners, investors, and regulatory experts
– Access to expert mentors in biotech, regulatory affairs, and IP strategy
– Support for securing follow-on funding, such as SBIR/STTR grants
How does BioREACH help overcome the “valley of death” between research and
commercialization?
Early-stage scientific discoveries often lack the funding needed to generate the data required for industry
or venture investment. BioREACH helps de-risk projects by:
– Funding key technical milestones
– Supporting researchers in refining market fit
– Generating critical data to attract follow-on funding
This structure helps researchers efficiently navigate the transition from discovery to real-world impact.
IP, COMPNIES & INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Is existing intellectual property required?
No.
Do I need to have formed a company?
No.
Is an industry partner required?
No.
Are matching funds required?
No. Matching funds are permitted but are not required.
How much customer or stakeholder validation is expected at this stage?
Applicants should have a hypothesis about the intended end user and/or beneficiary of the technology
USE OF BIOREACH FUNDS
Can BioREACH funds support a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow?
Yes.
Can I use BioREACH funds for SBU core facilities?
Yes.
Can I pay an external CRO or testing laboratory?
No.
Can I purchase equipment or a computer?
No.
Can I pay consultants?
Subject to approval by the Center for Biotechnology.
Can BioREACH funds leave SBU?
No.
Can I use BioREACH funds for travel?
No.
APPLICATION EVALUATION
How will my application be evaluated, and what separates a competitive BioREACH application from a scientifically interesting project?
BioREACH selects projects where $50,000 can resolve an important technology uncertainty and materially move the technology readiness level (TRL) to the next stage.
FOLLOW-ON DEVELOPMENT
If my BioREACH translational milestones demonstrate TRL 4 readiness, what support is available to continue technology development?
If BioREACH is successful, applicants should be able to identify the next TRL stage and the technology inflection milestone required to reach it. Depending on the evidence generated and the appropriate development pathway, projects may pursue:
– External translational funding
– Licensing
– Industry partnership
– Venture formation through BioCATALYST
If your innovation demonstrates TRL 4 readiness and you want to explore its venture-development potential, contact Dee Dao, PhD, Director, at dee.dao@stonybrook.edu to discuss BioCATALYST.
What is BioCATALYST?
BioCATALYST is a venture-development program for SBU technologies that have demonstrated translational readiness and are positioned for venture formation. BioCATALYST technologies are expected to demonstrate TRL 4 readiness as well as founding-team venture formation readiness.
If your innovation meets these criteria and you are interested in exploring its venture-development potential, contact Director Dee Dao, PhD, at dee.dao@stonybrook.edu.
SUPPORT AFTER COMPANY FORMATION
What support is available once a company has been formed?
New York State life sciences companies that meet BioNEXUS program criteria — including companies formed around Stony Brook University technologies — may apply to BioNEXUS. The program provides companies:
– Validation of go-to-market strategies
– Development of funding strategies
– Business model development strategy
– Access to domain expertise
– Access to industry and investor networks
– Other resources aligned with the company’s stage of development
Participation in BioREACH or BioCATALYST is not required for BioNEXUS eligibility. However, companies must meet BioNEXUS requirements and selection criteria (see “What is BioNEXUS?” below). Faculty or postdoctoral researchers with a company who would like to discuss BioNEXUS readiness criteria may contact BioNEXUS Managing Director Dee Dao, PhD, at dee.dao@stonybrook.edu.
What is BioNEXUS?
BioNEXUS is the Center for Biotechnology’s bio-convergence execution accelerator for New York State life sciences companies, including companies formed around Stony Brook University technologies. BioNEXUS supports companies with at least two full-time team members advancing technologies from TRL 5–9, validating go-to-market strategies, and developing funding strategies to support continued company and product development.
I’m interested—what are the next steps?
If you think your research might be a fit, the best way to start is by reaching out for an initial discussion. We can help assess your project’s stage and potential for BioREACH support. From there, we’ll guide you through the application process and provide recommendations to strengthen your proposal.
Contact:
Dee Dao, PhD
Associate Director, Center for Biotechnology
dee.dao@stonybrook.edu