Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund Manufacturing Grant 2025 Round 2

The Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund (JLIF) Manufacturing Grant 2025 Round 2, administered by FuzeHub, supports collaboration between not-for-profit organizations and startup manufacturing companies in New York State. This round is specifically dedicated to projects involving startup manufacturers, defined by strict criteria including low revenue, limited investment history, and recent establishment. Applicants must be New York State not-for-profit organizations partnering with 1 to 5 qualifying startup manufacturers. The program provides funding for projects that advance manufacturing capabilities and technology adoption, with awards ranging from $15,000 to $65,000, totaling up to $390,000 available. Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, subject to availability through Empire State Development. The application period opens April 15, 2025 and closes May 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST. The application process is conducted entirely online via SurveyMonkey Apply, and consists of two stages. Applicants must first pass a preliminary eligibility review (Stage 1), including submission of a profit and loss report for the partner company. Eligible applicants then complete Stage 2, which requires full project documentation including a budget, project video, conflict of interest letter (for universities), and a $65 application fee. Eligible projects must be completed within 12 months and can include prototype development, proof-of-concept manufacturing, equipment acquisition, and more. Projects must align with FuzeHub’s mission to enhance manufacturing innovation and demonstrate strong collaboration between applicants and industry partners. Key evaluation criteria include the project’s transformative potential, team capacity, commercial feasibility, collaborative synergy, broader societal impact, and budget rationale. Note that indirect costs, executive salaries, and marketing expenses are ineligible. For questions, contact fund@fuzehub.com or call 518-768-7030. Application materials are available at fuzehub.com/2025-manufacturing-grants.