The Frankel Innovation Initiative is a $20 million fund supporting the research and development of life-saving therapies and innovative new technologies at Michigan Medicine, with the ultimate goal of improving healthcare and saving lives.
Made possible by a generous donation from the Maxine and Stuart Frankel Foundation, the program seeks to advance innovative research by U-M faculty and provide a fast path to patient impact. It builds on the best practices of the standout programs developed at U-M and other top institutions and capitalizes on U-M’s extensive biomedical research enterprise. Collaborative projects that engage nationally renowned Co-PIs at other institutions are especially encouraged. FFMI is administering the fund.
Open to innovators at all stages of a research project, the Frankel Innovation Initiative offers:
- $250,000 – $500,000/year to high-impact research projects originating at U-M, with potential for multiple years of support
- Expertise and guidance from an Advisory Committee consisting of world-renowned scientists and technology development professionals
- No cost share requirement
Letters of Intent are evaluated on the basis of eligibility and fund appropriateness. After Letters of Intent are reviewed by a triage committee, a select group of faculty will be invited to submit a full proposal for review by the Scientific Advisory Committee for funding consideration.