The Minnesota Bioinnovation Accelerator (MnBA) Mini-Grant Program provides funding to support pre-commercial activities and cross-disciplinary projects that advance biotechnology-based prototype solutions, accelerating the next wave of advanced biomanufacturing. Each year, MnBA anticipates awarding approximately 10 mini-grants, each up to $5,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
Eligible activities include travel or workshop expenses for research coordination, regulatory and public perception studies, specialized product characterization, technoeconomic or life cycle analyses, researcher cross-training, and support for intellectual property generation. Projects must align with MnBA’s mission, foster collaboration-especially with Minnesota partners-and result in a final deliverable (such as a summary report or white paper) within 30 days of project completion.
Applicants are encouraged to consult with the MnBA team before submitting proposals. Funding decisions are made within 30 days by MnBA leadership and expert reviewers.