About this programme
Connecticut Innovations (CI) is the state's quasi-public authority for early-stage investment, and the Pre-Seed Fund is its earliest entry point for technology-based companies before they are ready for CI's larger venture capital programs. It targets founders in bioscience, information technology, clean technology, photonics, and advanced materials who need a first tranche of outside capital to get a concept to the point where private investors will commit.
The fund provides up to $150,000 toward pre-seed expenses, on the condition that the company can also bring in at least an equivalent amount from private sources. CI frames this as helping turn an idea into a commercially viable business, backed by mentoring, resources, and introductions in addition to the capital itself.
Eligibility is built around keeping the benefit in Connecticut: the company must be principally based in the state (or willing to relocate/expand there), registered with the Secretary of the State, majority Connecticut-employed, young (under seven years in operation), and still pre-revenue at meaningful scale (non-grant recurring revenue under $2 million).
How it works
CI funds up to $150,000 of pre-seed expenses per company.
The company must match at least the same amount from private sources — CI funding is not a substitute for private capital, it supplements it.
Applications go through a single online intake; CI states that companies are considered for all of its funding opportunities at the time of review, so a Pre-Seed application may surface a better-fit CI program instead.
Who can apply
The company must be principally based in Connecticut and registered with the Connecticut Secretary of the State; that registration must be in place before funding is disbursed. Companies not yet in Connecticut are eligible if they are willing to relocate or expand into the state.
The company must have been in operation for less than seven years.
Non-grant recurring revenue must be under $2 million.
At least 50 percent of the company's employees must be based in Connecticut.
The company must be able to demonstrate at least a dollar-for-dollar match from private sources for the amount requested from CI.
How to apply
- Complete the online application form on the Pre-Seed Investment page at ctinnovations.com.
- Upload a pitch deck, business plan, or executive summary (file size capped at 50 MB).
- CI reviews the submission and considers the company for the Pre-Seed Fund and any other CI funding opportunity that fits, rather than only the one applied for.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Pitch deck, business plan, or executive summary (single upload, max 50 MB)
Frequently asked
How much can the Pre-Seed Fund provide?
Up to $150,000 toward pre-seed expenses, conditional on the company matching at least the same amount from private sources.
Does my company have to be based in Connecticut?
Yes, principally based in Connecticut and registered with the Connecticut Secretary of the State. If you're not yet in Connecticut, CI will still consider you if you're willing to relocate or expand into the state.
Is there a revenue or age limit to qualify?
The company must have been operating for less than seven years, and non-grant recurring revenue must be under $2 million.
What counts toward the 50% match requirement?
CI requires the company to bring in at least an equivalent amount from private sources alongside CI's funding. The official page does not itemize which private sources qualify, so confirm your specific funding mix with CI directly.
What do I need to submit with the application?
A pitch deck, business plan, or executive summary, submitted through the online form, capped at 50 MB.
What happens after I apply?
CI reviews the application and considers the company against all of its funding opportunities at that time, not just the Pre-Seed Fund, so you may be routed to a different CI program if it fits better.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.