Photo: Jeffrey Brock, Dean of Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science; Will Roberts ’90; and Claudia Reuter, Director of the Roberts Innovation Fund. 

On Monday afternoon, Yale innovators convened at Tsai CITY to learn about the Roberts Innovation Fund, a faculty accelerator fund for the Yale School of Engineering &Applied Science, and its application process. The Fund, established in 2022, is made possible through a generous gift from Yale alumnus Will Roberts. Successful innovator awardees stand to receive up to $150,000 in financial support, coupled with world-class mentorship and support teams. 

“This year the Roberts Innovation Fund is thrilled to be able to expand our mandate to support catalyzing innovations that benefit humanity,” said Yale Engineering Dean Jeffrey Brock. “Yale Engineering faculty are the ‘tip of the spear’ for faculty innovation, making the case to the university that our work and insights can have a deep impact on the world."

The accelerator’s primary objective is to drive the innovation engine within Yale Engineering. As the Fund begins its second application cycle, the application has been expanded to ensure more Yale faculty innovators across multiple domain areas have the opportunity to secure support for their breakthrough technologies.

In addition to fund applicants, Dean of the School of Engineering & Applied Science, Jeffrey Brock, the Director of the Roberts Innovation Fund, Claudia Reuter and several Yale Ventures associates dedicated to the Roberts Innovation Fund were present.

"The Roberts Innovation Fund was launched last year to accelerate the engine of innovation within the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science by providing cash awards with lab-to-impact support.  We know that creating multiple opportunities for faculty to learn about the fund is critical, and in-person gatherings like the Roberts Innovation Fund reception, are a fantastic way to not only share information more broadly, but to support our growing community of innovators here on campus, as they work to network and brainstorm with each other," said Reuter.  

Applications are now open and the deadline for submission is October 31. Finalists will present in January. For application information or to sign up for office hours with Claudia Reuter, visit: Roberts Fund Application Information.