VentureWell E-Team Grants 
VentureWell is a non-profit organization that funds and trains student inventors and entrepreneurs who want to address important problems in the world through new technology-based ventures.
Their E-Team Program provides funding, immersive workshops, and specialized coaching to student STEM innovators to help them move their inventions into the marketplace.
Why You Should Apply
- Help students commercialize innovative ideas
- Receive non-dilutive funding and an entrepreneurship training workshop designed to help you discover the best market for your invention
- Enhance student knowledge and advance their inventions to the marketplace.
- Prepares students to enter programs such as the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps and Techstars
Dates & Duration
There are three program cycles per year: one in the Fall (October deadline); one in the Winter (January/February deadline), and one in the Spring (May deadline).
Typically VentureWell opens the call for applications about 6-8 weeks before the deadline. Teams can begin writing their proposal narrative at any time.
Winter 2025
- Applications open: July 28, 2025
- Deadline to apply: September 30, 2025
- Pioneer workshop dates: January 7-8, 2026
- Propel workshop dates: January 21-22, 2026
Spring 2026
- Applications open: November 10, 2025
- Deadline to apply: January 27, 2026
- Pioneer workshop dates: April 22-23, 2026
- Propel workshop dates: May 13-14, 2026
Summer 2026
- Applications open: February 23, 2026
- Deadline to apply: April 28, 2026
- Pioneer workshop dates: July 22-23, 2026
- Propel workshop dates: August 5-6, 2026
Requirements
- 2+ current students for the duration of the Stage 1 grant period
- Support from a PI (Faculty, Program Director)
- Support from UC San Diego Office of Contract & Grant Administration
- Other mentors/advisor support suggested
- Recommendation from the Basement
Application Process
- Inform the Principle Investigator (PI) Jacques Chirazi at jchirazi@ucsd.edu of your project and intention to apply for a grant no later than four-weeks prior to the application deadline
- Submit a completed draft of the application (e.g. proposal narrative and proposed budget) to Jacques Chirazi at jchirazi@ucsd.edu no later than four-weeks prior to the application deadline*
- To request a letter of support from the Basement, submit your request to Jacques Chirazi at jchirazi@ucsd.edu no later than four-weeks prior to the application deadline
- VentureWell grant applications must be submitted through the OIC/Basement. The Principal Investigator (PI) for these applications is Jacques, who will provide the applicant with the required Department Chair and Grant Administrator information. Students are not eligible to serve as PI.
- All VentureWell applications must be submitted using a UCSD email address; no exceptions will be made.
*Note: Please review all application requirements carefully. Applications that do not meet these requirements will be disqualified, with no exceptions. Draft applications must be submitted four weeks before the deadline for internal review. Late submissions will not be processed.
Eligibility
Open to all current UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students.