Ignition Grants
Funding Opportunity
Ignition Grants provide financial support for Columbia University engineering students in launching new businesses, social and not-for-profit ventures. Ignition Grants support the initial stages of early venture development from formation, IP protection, and incubation to building prototypes and creating proofs of concept. Teams that have won the Technology Challenge or received Ignition Grants in the past will not be eligible. Applicants must have a current SEAS student on the team to apply.
There are varying amounts awarded for Ignition Grants. All grants are non-dilutive. Judges will decide the level of funding (ranging from $3k – $6k) for teams based on their applications.
The next application will launch Spring 2026.
For more information please contact Ivy Schultz (is2350@columbia.edu).
For applicants who applied to Startup Columbia round 2, a small update to your existing application is requested (you may un-submit and then re-submit a video and pitch deck with any updates based on judges’ feedback). Please review the instructions below.