INNOVATION. INVESTMENT. IDAHO.

Where Opportunity Meets Expertise.

Nurturing and evolving an idea takes a lot of passion, funding and research — the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) can help.

The IGEM-Commerce grant program funds research initiatives, where university investigators and private sector business experts partner together to bring viable technologies to market. 

IGEM commercialization grants are a powerful economic resource. Through its support of commercialization partnerships, IGEM makes an investment in developing new business ventures, creating new products and high-value jobs, while supporting the research capacity of Idaho’s universities.

Applications are closed for FY2024. Please check back later for updates.

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Meet our University Research Partners

Idaho has three public research universities, where IGEM can fund commercialization research initiatives. Read more about them below.

BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY

Boise State University is Idaho’s metropolitan research university, located in Idaho’s capital city. BSU offers over 200 graduate and undergraduate degrees. Read more about BSU’s research capabilities here.

IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY

Idaho State University is located in Pocatello. ISU offers over 250 graduate and undergraduate degrees and certificates and is the state’s designated lead institution in health and medical education. Read more about ISU’s research capabilities here.

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO

The University of Idaho is located in Moscow. UI offers more than 300 degrees. UI is Idaho’s flagship research university with a special designation in agriculture, engineering and natural resources. Read more about UI’s research capabilities here.

Recently Funded Projects

IGEM grants fund a wide variety of projects and help to propel Idaho-based technologies toward commercialization. Learn more about some of our most recent projects below.

HEMPITECTURE

Hempitecture partnered with the University of Idaho, which was awarded an IGEM-Commerce grant for $206,624 to conduct research on the development of their natural fiber insulation, HempWool. Since receiving not one, but two IGEM grants, the University of Idaho researchers and the company has hit many milestones over the last year. Read more…

IDAHO STRATEGIC RESOURCES

Headquartered in North Idaho, Idaho Strategic Resources is one of the few companies in Idaho that possesses rare earth element properties and gold production. The company’s unique qualities made it stand out as a perfect candidate for the IGEM grant program. Read more…

PRESTO GEOSYSTEMS

Utilizing geosynthetic materials as a pavement base is the goal of IGEM awardee Boise State University and industry partner Presto Geosystems. Preso Geosystems manufactures geosynthetic products such as Geocells, a soil stabilization system that is the product at the forefront of this research project. Read more…

IGEM is Innovating and Investing in Idaho

The Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) grant program initiative was sponsored by former Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter during the 2012 Idaho legislative session. It was created to assist in advancing the growth of Idaho’s economy through commercialized research at Idaho’s three public research universities: Boise State University, Idaho State University and the University of Idaho.

The IGEM program is focused on commercializing new technologies, scientific developments and industry-changing services through facilitating sponsored research and accelerating technology transfer out of Idaho university research facilities and into the private sector. This unique and dynamic partnership nurtures new ideas, products and companies that will lead to higher-paying jobs and a stronger economic foundation in the state. The Idaho Department of Commerce disperses $950,000 in funds directly to Idaho’s public research universities for projects approved by the IGEM Council.

IGEM has yielded successful research projects that continue to position Idaho’s industry in new and profitable markets and encourage innovation throughout the state

Proud Sponsor

IGEM is proud to sponsor events and organizations that advance technology, innovation and commercialization initiatives in Idaho