Applications for the 2016 Gryphon’s LAAIR (Leading to Accelerated Adoption of Innovative Research) funding program are now being accepted.

Based on popular “innovation pitch” television shows, the Gryphon’s LAAIR involves faculty from across campus pitching ideas for commercializing their inventions and discoveries to a panel of industry stakeholders.

The products and services must be intended to improve the competitiveness of the Ontario agri-food and rural economy.

Researchers receive between $25,000 and $125,000 to support their proposals. Funding is available in two streams: early-stage product development and commercial development.

Funding comes from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Ministry of Rural Affairs-U of G Partnership and Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Applications will be accepted until March 9.

A town hall meeting on the program will be held Feb. 12 from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in the Pathobiology Building, Room 1810.

More information is available online.