1. Excellence in Innovation Award ($7,000 monetary award)

Description: Recognizes University of Houston faculty who have demonstrated sustained excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship, with a significant and measurable impact in their field.           

Eligibility: Open to all tenured faculty at Associate and Full Professor ranks who have held employment at UH for a minimum of five years.

Criteria:

1. Documented record of mentoring undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral researchers in innovation and entrepreneurship.
2. Compelling evidence of major contributions to technology transfer, or commercialization of research, or development of entrepreneurial ventures (e.g., engagement with commercialization or licensing of inventions; SBIR and STTR grant participation, NSF I-CORP or NASA iTech awards; new company formation; significant industry partnerships or angel/venture fundraises relating to intellectual property.
3. Local, national or international recognition or visibility for innovation, entrepreneurship, or broad influence on practice and policy.
4. Demonstrated viability of entrepreneurial technology, through licensing, business model implementation, raising funds or other such evidence of successful commercialization. 
5. Formed a startup company or engaged with industry partners to advance the inventions and technologies. 

2. Rising Innovator Award ($3,000 monetary award)

Description: Recognizes a rising University of Houston research, tenure-track or tenured faculty who demonstrate exceptional promise and achievement in innovation and entrepreneurship, showcasing leadership in advancing new ideas, technology transfer, and entrepreneurial mentorship.

Eligibility: Full-time tenure track or tenured or research faculty (Assistant, Associate, or Professor of Practice).  Must have been a full-time faculty member at UH for a minimum of three years at the time of nomination.

Criteria: Evidence of intellectual property, translational research, or product development, including patents in progress, licensing potential, participation in accelerators, and/or startup activity, and/or grant funding. 

To apply, please submit the following information:

1. A letter of nomination not to exceed 2 page and a short-written endorsement by Department Chair and Dean of the College
2. A letter of support for the nomination (not to exceed 1 page) from a faculty colleague at UH or at another academic institution, industry partners, co-founders, start-up executives, or investors
3. 300-word description of the IP commercialization or entrepreneurial work (startups, commercialization/innovation grants, accelerators, training/teaching) and its impact on society) relevant to the respective categories (Excellence in Innovation vs Rising Star Awards)
4. Links to websites (ex. company URL, patents issued) and other media outlets (ex. press), and/or LinkedIn profile. 
5. CV (4-page maximum, including one page narrative highlighting innovation and entrepreneurship).