Proof-of-Concept
Grants
Supporting Early-Stage Innovation in Goleta & Santa Barbara
Flexible non-dilutive funding of up to $10,000 to help emerging startups validate ideas, build MVPs, and reach critical milestones toward investment or launch
up to
$10,000
FUNDING
6-month
grant period
NO EQUITY
taken
QUARTERLY
Review Cycle
built for emerging founders and startup teams
The GEM Startup Proof-of-Concept Grant is designed for founders who have completed the discovery phase and are ready to validate customer demand, build prototypes, or prepare for investment.
pre-seed startups
Pre-seed startups launched within the past 1-2 years
UCSB startups
UCSB startups and innovation teams
local founders
Founders based in Goleta or Santa Barbara
Planning to relocate
Teams planning to relocate and/or stay in the region
mvp focus
Entrepreneurs preparing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
FUNDING DESIGNED
TO MOVE STARTUPS FORWARD
GEM grants are intentionally flexible and can support a variety of startup validation and MVP development activities.
- Prototype and MVP Development
- Pilot program execution
- Equipment and supplies
- Labor and technical development
- UCSB recharge facility access
- Incubation or innovation workspace access
- Custom validation initiatives
no equity required
GEM does not take equity in participating startups.
helping founders
reach critical milestones
The Proof-of-Concept Grant exists to help entrepreneurs gather
real-world validation and accelerate progress toward commercialization, investment, and scalable growth.
DEVELOPMENT
ready
launch
what to include in your pre-proposal
Applicants must submit a maximum three-page PDF pre-proposal outlining the startup opportunity, development plan, and funding request.
- Funding Request | Amount requested and duration plan
- Company Overview | Company Profile, team information, and stage of development
- Market Opportunity | Business concept, market definition, value proposition, competitive landscape
- Validation & Discovery | Business concept, market definition, value proposition, competitive landscape
- MVP Development Plan | Scope of work, timeline, budget justification
- Funding Outlook | Current Funding raised, future funding opportunities, and long-term growth plans
- Regional Engagement | Involvement with UCSB, connection to Goleta/Santa Barbara, participation in ecosystem programming
How applications are evealuated
Applicants are reviewed quarterly by the GEM selection committee using several core evaluation standards.
impact
Pre-seed startups launched within the past 1-2 years
Proposal merit
UCSB startups and innovation teams
budget
Founders based in Goleta or Santa Barbara
team promise
Teams planning to relocate to the region
ecosystem integration
Entrepreneurs preparing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Will the team use services from the city and UCSB during the grant period?
- How will the team/company connect to UCSB and Goleta after the grant period?
Finalists will present live
to the selection committee
15-minute
in-person pitch
presentation to
gem board members
feedback from
external advisors
opportunity to refine
funding strategy
Ready to Build what's next?
Bring your idea, your team, or your early-stage venture into the GEM ecosystem