APPLY FOR THE PHASE ZERO: INNOVATOR INCUBATOR PROGRAM
General Instructions
Cyber Florida is actively seeking applications for its Phase Zero: Innovator Incubator Program. The application process will take place in two stages:
a. The written application which includes a white paper, budget template and the completion of the USF Mini Audit Questionnaire.
b. After evaluation of the written applications, a subset of applicants will be invited to participate in the virtual pitch presentation given to the selection panel.
Final evaluation of all applications & presentations will consist of 4-6 experts in research and commercialization of startups, comprised of the following:
c. 1 nominee from the USF Muma College of Business and one nominee from the USF College of Engineering
d. 1 nominee from the USF VP of Research & Innovation
e. 1 nominee from the critical Infrastructure sectors in Florida
f. 1-2 nominees from the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Florida
Timeline of the Application & Review Process:
• Application Launch: December 1, 2024
Application Due Date: January 3, 2025
• Application Review Starts: January 6, 2025
Pitch Event: Tentatively January 24, 2025
Please note: An Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code are required to receive funding. If you have not yet obtained these, please visit the links provided to begin the application process. It is important to initiate these processes as early as possible, as obtaining an EIN and CAGE code may take several months. Failure to obtain these items in advance may result in funding delays if selected as an award recipient.
Apply for EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-to-apply-for-an-ein
Register at SAM.gov: https://usfcr.com/sam-registration/
APPLY FOR THE PHASE ZERO: INNOVATOR INCUBATOR PROGRAM
White Paper Instructions
Please prepare a white paper, utilizing the following format to include in your application to the Phase Zero: Innovator Incubator. The paper must be no more than 5 pages, single spaced, 12-point font.
A. Cover Sheet
Provide the name of the corporate entity, technical area of focus, and a list of keywords of the proposal. Provide name, address, phone number, and email address of the technical and administrative points of contact for the proposal. Proposals with incomplete cover sheets will not be reviewed.
B. Executive Summary (10 points)
Clearly describe what is being proposed and, if successful, what difference it will make (quantitatively and qualitatively)
C. Technical Concept (30 points)
What is the big idea being proposed? How is it being done currently? How is this proposed technical concept different? What are the interim milestones that provide evidence of success? How long will it take to reach a minimum viable product (MVP)? What is the impact to advancing cybersecurity?
D. Business Process (30 points)
How will the business be structured? What is the market analysis for the proposed technical concept? Who are the competitors in this area? What are the sources of additional funding that will be pursued initially (contracts, grants, investments)? How much will it cost to reach a minimum viable product (MVP)?
E. Leadership Team (20 points)
Who are the members of the initial leadership team? What other talent/teammates will you need to add to the team within the first year?
F. Financial Execution Plan (10 points)
Specifically, how will the initial grant be spent? How long will the initial grant last? Are there other resources that can be brought to bear immediately?
G. Geographical dispersion (10 extra points)
Proposals from companies based in rural counties within Florida, as determined by the Florida Department of Health, will receive an additional 10 points
APPLY FOR THE PHASE ZERO: INNOVATOR INCUBATOR PROGRAM
Budget Template Instructions
Please download and complete the Phase Zero: Innovator Incubator Budget Worksheet to show how you plan to allocate the $60,000 award if selected.
Personnel:
In this section, list any personnel who will receive salary or payments from the award. You will need to fill in the following columns:
1. Personnel Name
2. Role on Project
3. Base Salary
4. Fringe Benefit Rate
5. Calendar Months
Note: All other columns will auto-calculate based on your input.
Equipment:
List any equipment you plan to purchase with the award funds. Equipment includes items costing $5,000 or more.
• In Column A, provide the item’s name and description.
The rate is the cost of one unit.
Enter the number of units in the Quantity column.
Note: The total cost will auto-calculate based on your inputs.
Travel:
List any travel expenses that will be covered by the award.
In Column A, list “Domestic Travel Costs” if traveling within the U.S.
• Enter the number of project members traveling.
• The rate is the cost per traveler.
Quantity refers to the number of travelers.
Note: The total cost will auto-calculate based on your inputs.
Other Direct Costs:
Include any other costs, such as materials, supplies, or vendor contracts. Common examples are pre-filled in the template.
• Delete examples you don’t need and add any additional items specific to your project.
Column A is for the item/contract description. The rate is the cost of one unit or contract.
• Quantity refers to how many units you plan to purchase.
Note: The total cost will auto-calculate based on your inputs.
If you have any questions, please contact awards@cyberflorida.org
APPLY FOR THE PHASE ZERO: INNOVATOR INCUBATOR PROGRAM
Mini-Audit Questionnaire Instructions
Download and complete the University of South Florida: Evaluation of Financial Management Systems and Financial Capability Questionnaire, commonly known as “USF Mini-Audit Questionnaire.”
If you have any questions, please contact awards@cyberflorida.org
