01
The Translational Brief
Begin with a simple online intake. Summarize your technology or discovery, identify the customer or community need, estimate its Technology Readiness Level, and describe the real-world outcome you want to achieve.
HomeProject
GROW Translational Research
Project
BootSTRP
Accelerating research from early-stage discovery to real-world, scalable solutions.
Program Overview
Turn applied research into community & economic solutions
Managed under the NSF-funded GROW program, Project BootSTRP—Seed Translational Research Projects—is Portland State’s premier funding mechanism for bridging academic discovery and real-world implementation.
Projects may pursue startup viability, technology licensing, clinical validation, or deployment in civic and educational settings. Funding is paired with mentorship and ecosystem connections designed to accelerate measurable progress.
Award Value
Up to
$250K
$75K–$250K
Typical award range based on project scope and cycle.
$500K
Total program funding available annually.
2–3
High-impact projects funded per competitive cycle.
Project BootSTRP operates one to two competitive cycles each year. Awarded teams receive bi-weekly guidance from GROW leadership and priority access to coaching through PSBA and the Metro Region Innovation Hub.
Upcoming Cycle
Key Dates
Year 1 · Cycle 1
01
November 3, 2026
Translational Brief Opens
02
December 1, 2026
Brief Submission Deadline
03
December 15, 2026
Full Proposal Invitations
04
January 25, 2027
Award Decisions
Application Process
Four clear stages
02
Full Proposal Invitation
Selected finalists submit a detailed, milestone-driven proposal with a project budget, technical milestones, and a plan for engaging graduate students or postdoctoral researchers as entrepreneurial leads.
03
Multidisciplinary Review
GROW Ambassadors and external industry, venture, and civic partners assess translational feasibility, societal and economic potential, technology readiness, and the strength of proposed partnerships.
04
Milestone-Driven Award
Selected teams receive substantial funding, bi-weekly guidance, and priority access to commercialization coaching. Funds are released as agreed technical, commercial, or community milestones are completed.
Evaluation
What reviewers look for
Translational Feasibility
A realistic milestone plan with clear technical viability.
Societal & Economic Potential
A defined route to market or meaningful community deployment.
Technology Readiness
Projects should typically be positioned between TRL 4 and TRL 7.
Partnerships
Industry, clinical, or community collaboration is strongly preferred.
Funded Teams
An active partnership
Bi-Weekly Touchpoints
Review progress, address technical hurdles, and refine translation strategy with GROW leadership.
Customer Discovery
Participate actively in regional NSF I-Corps or related Propel PSU validation training.
Student Leadership
Give graduate students or postdoctoral leads meaningful, hands-on roles in the project.
Target Outcomes
Progress you can measure
01Invention disclosures
02Patent filings
03Licensing agreements
04Startup formation
05Industry partnerships
Raise Your Hand
Not sure your research is ready?
You do not need to wait for a cycle to open. Share what you are working on and start a conversation about pathways, partnerships, and future funding opportunities.