About this programme
UF Innovate's Ventures division co-invests a $2 million venture fund each fiscal year in startups built on University of Florida technology. Since 1985, the university has helped form more than 300 technology-based companies, and Ventures is the arm that helps those startups prepare for financing rounds and, when the fit is right, invests alongside them.
Investment is not automatic: every deal is subject to review and approval by an Investment Committee, and Ventures always co-invests alongside an accredited third-party lead investor rather than leading a round itself.
UF Innovate also runs an Entrepreneur in Residence program that operates statewide across Florida, offering advisory support separate from the Ventures fund itself.
How it works
Ventures makes co-investments from its $2 million annual fund, always alongside an accredited third-party lead investor, and every investment requires Investment Committee approval.
The startup must have an active license or option agreement for UF technology; a pitch deck is submitted through a web form, then routed internally from UF's marketing system to the Ventures team for review.
Who can apply
The startup must have an active license or option agreement for University of Florida technology. The application form states this plainly: 'You MUST have an active license from UF to be considered,' and startups without one cannot proceed past the first step.
Beyond the license requirement, Ventures looks for a viable product or service concept, strong intellectual property, a substantial market opportunity, and a genuine need for capital investment.
The startup must also secure an accredited third-party lead investor willing to co-invest alongside UF Innovate.
How to apply
- Confirm the startup has licensed or optioned UF technology; this is a hard gate before anything else.
- Submit a pitch deck (up to 1,000 MB) through the online form, along with founder contact details, company name and website.
- Rank the type of support being requested by first, second and third choice on the form.
- The completed form is routed through UF's Marketing Salesforce system to the Ventures team, which reviews and follows up.
Frequently asked
Do I need a UF technology license to apply?
Yes. The application states you must have an active license from UF to be considered; startups without one cannot proceed past the first step.
How much can Ventures invest?
Ventures co-invests from a $2 million annual fund; every deal is subject to Investment Committee approval, and Ventures does not lead rounds on its own.
Do I need my own investor lined up?
Yes. Ventures requires an accredited third-party lead investor to co-invest alongside it.
What if I'm not eligible for Ventures?
The application points ineligible startups in Alachua County toward Tech Tuesday, a segment on WCJB TV20, as an alternative avenue.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.