Innovation Fellowship

Venture Philanthropy

The Innovation Fellows Program is a new model for turning breakthrough biomedical engineering research into ventures that improve lives. We pair postdoctoral fellows with the support, mentorship, and early capital they need to build companies around their discoveries. Funding comes from a model that’s new to philanthropy: donors can use their donor-advised funds (DAFs) to invest in these for-profit ventures through a pooled philanthropic fund. Impact comes first, and every investment is made to move promising science out of the lab and toward patients. But unlike a traditional grant, these investments carry long-term potential for returns, and any returns can be re-deployed to original DAFs for new grant-making and toward endowing University programs. Donors, fellows, and the program share both the commitment and the incentive to succeed, so each success helps launch the next generation of innovators. As a pilot program, we encourage those interested to reach out and learn more through a 1on1 call by expressing interest below.

 
 

Participation Interest Form

 

FAQs

  • CAN has always served - and will continue to serve - as an intermediary for private investments. Many individuals have philanthropic capital sitting in donor-advised funds (DAFs) or foundations and seek to use those resources to drive meaningful impact.

    We’re now extending CAN’s role to offer a structured way to do just that. By making a DAF investment through CAN’s partner, you’ve added a new asset class to your philanthropic portfolio—one with the potential to grow and be re-granted for exponential, long-term impact.

  • A DAF is a philanthropic giving vehicle that allows donors to contribute charitable assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to nonprofits over time.

  • No. This is not an investment opportunity and does not offer a personal financial return. It is a charitable initiative to support the growth and impact of mission-driven companies and catalyze future institutional investment through philanthropic capital.

  • At the time of your contribution, you will pre-select how any potential regranted proceeds should be allocated. All funds must remain dedicated to charitable purposes and can be directed to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. For individuals contributing through an existing DAF, any returned proceeds can be regranted back to the original DAF for future philanthropic use.

  • You will have the option to elect percentages across this list, adding up to 100%.

    ____% BME innovation fellowship endowment (min suggested 10%)

    ____% Carolina Angel Network Endowed Support Fund (min suggested 5%)

    ____% Innovate Carolina - Translation Activities (assisting in the commercialization activities for University IP)

    ____% Original DAF named above

    ____% External Non-profit named _____________________

  • Given the administrative overhead, our philanthropic partner Realize Impact has set a minimum for Emerge program at $10,000. We encourage donors to think about a multi-year commitments to capture multiple cohorts of launched companies.

    There is no minimum for donors interested in granting to the Incubate part of the program, as this grant can be made directly to the BME department.

  • We’ve partnered with Realize Impact, a nonprofit that enables catalytic, impact-driven support for companies. After funding through a charitable donation, Realize Impact will manage the investment in each launched company.

  • There is no accreditation requirement and this opportunity is available for anyone interested in participating. Individuals can make a tax-deductible donation. DAF holders & Private Foundations can make a grant to participate.

  • The Emerge Committee will establish the final standardized investment terms - likely a founder-friendly SAFE note.

  • For philanthropic investments made in support of Emerge - Realize Impact will withhold a $500 administrative fee and 1% on any returned capital from the investment before distributing funds to the pre-designated grantees selected by the donor.

 

Disclaimer: This is not a solicitation for investment. It is intended solely to share information about a charitable opportunity to support Couplet Care through a donor-advised fund in partnership with Inspire Access. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney to understand how this opportunity may apply to your specific financial and tax situation.