Spring 2024 Orange Innovation Fund Grant Winners Announced

**Syracuse University Recognizes Spring 2024 Orange Innovation Fund Recipients**

Syracuse University has announced the Spring 2024 recipients of the Orange Innovation Fund, with nine student-led teams being awarded $5,000 each to help commercialize their innovative research ideas. The grants, facilitated by Syracuse University Libraries, aim to support student ventures from ideation to proof of concept and commercialization.

Among the awarded are diverse projects including a pilot program for startup labs in Nigeria, a device for cell rejuvenation and skincare, a managed cloud service platform for small businesses, an agritech company connecting producers and consumers, a second flavor for a popular Mediterranean spiced tomato sauce, a portable air quality sensor, a nonprofit bridging the gap in STEM education, a drone developer for military and smart home applications, and a food tech startup focusing on precision health.

The funding for the awards originates from a generous donation by Raj-Ann Rekhi Gill, a Syracuse University trustee and operating partner of Silicon Valley Quad. The initiative reflects the university’s commitment to nurturing an entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting a broad range of sectors from agriculture to digital platforms.

The recipients, celebrated for their ingenuity and diversity, include four ventures led by women, five by founders of color, and one by a combat veteran. The chosen projects were selected for their merit, research rigor, and clarity, showcasing the potential impact on various industries and communities.

For more information on the Orange Innovation Fund and future funding opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to contact the program directly.

This initiative underscores Syracuse University’s dedication to fostering research, scholarship, and innovation, contributing significantly to student experiential learning and the broader entrepreneurial landscape.