Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions that are not answered on this page or elsewhere on this website, then click here to send an e-mail to the Gulf Coast RCIC for assistance.

Texas Emerging Technology Fund - General Issues

1. What is the ETF Program?
2. What emerging technology industries are eligible for funding?
3. Who is eligible for funding?
4. What are the 3 funding categories?
5. What are the RCICs?
6. What are the eight Centers of Innovation and Commercialization?
7. Who should apply for an award from the RCIC project fund?
8. What are Research Grant Matching Awards?
9. What are Research Superiority Awards?
10. What is the Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee?

Gulf Coast RCIC

1. What is the Gulf Coast RCIC?
2. Is the Gulf Coast RCIC the RCIC I should use?
3. Are all RCICs following the same process?
4. Who are the Economic Development Organizations?
5. What are the Gulf Coast RCIC Review Committees?
6. What is the Gulf Coast RCIC Board?

Applying to the Gulf Coast RCIC for funding

1. How do I apply for ETF Awards?
2. What is the Application Fee for?
3. What is the Applicant Agreement?
4. How will the Gulf Coast RCIC select the application they will submit to the ETF Advisory Committee?
5. What is the Gulf Coast RCIC's timeline for researching and selecting applications?
6. Once my application is submitted, when will I hear from the Gulf Coast RCIC?
7. What happens if my application is submitted to the ETF Advisory Committee?
8. If I'm not awarded funding, can I apply again?  Will I have to pay the application fee again?
9. What happens if I'm selected by the State to receive funding?
10. Must my firm reside in Texas in order to qualify?
11. Must you have an established business to submit an application?
12. Can businesses participate in multiple simultaneous applications?
13. Are there limits on the amount that can be requested?
14. What major factors that will be considered for funding requests?
15. If I have previously received funding, can I apply for more funds?

Filling out the Application

1. How do I fill out the Application?
2. What are Attachment Documents?
3. What does the Gulf Coast RCIC do with Confidential information?
4. How do I submit an Application?
5. How does the Gulf Coast RCIC define a "complete" application?
6. Why can't I just submit our Business Plan?
7. What is a Principal Investigator?
8. What prior rounds of funding should be included in the "Other Sources of Funding" subsection?
9. What "in-kind" contributions should be listed?
10. Is "tax abatement" considered to be a type of "in-kind" funding?

1. What is the Gulf Coast RCIC?

   The Houston Technology Center (HTC), in collaboration with the Greater Houston Partnership, and Economic Development Organizations throughout its 30-county region, will serve as the Gulf Coast RCIC (regional map).  The counties in the GC RCICs region are Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Robertson, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Wharton.

   The Gulf Coast RCIC will be responsible for receiving applications for Commercialization Awards for companies located within the Gulf Coast region.  The Gulf Coast RCIC will research each application and submit recommendations to the Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee.

   The Gulf Coast RCIC will also assist with commercialization of the funded technologies, as well as provide private support to the companies and workforce.
    

2. Is the Gulf Coast RCIC the RCIC I should use?

   The Gulf Coast RCIC serves its 30-county region for all emerging technologies. 

   Companies with a current or planned presence within the Gulf Coast RCIC's 30-county region should submit their applications to the Gulf Coast RCIC.  Also companies with university partners within the Gulf Coast RCIC's region may submit their applications to the Gulf Coast RCIC.

   For emerging technology businesses in the region of more than one RCIC, Applicants must select only one RCIC to which they will submit an Application for any funding round.  Because Awardees will receive post-award support from their RCIC, Applicants should submit through the RCIC that can help them once they receive an award.
    

3. Are all RCICs following the same process?

   Each RCIC is an independent, private entity and will define the process they will use for researching applications and selecting the applications to be submitted to the ETF Advisory Committee.
    

4. Who are the Economic Development Organizations?

   The primary mission of Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) is to promote economic development in the geographic area.  The Gulf Coast RCIC is working with EDOs located throughout its 30-county region (web page).  The EDOs can be a valuable resource for helping emerging technologies businesses.

   The Gulf Coast RCIC recommends all applicants contact a local EDO and include an EDO Qualifying Letter when submitting their application.  Applicants should work with the EDO who is in their local area and will provide them the assistance they will need to submit their application.
    

5. What are the Gulf Coast RCIC Review Committees?

   The Gulf Coast RCIC has three Review Committees - for Energy, Life Science and Technology.  Each Review Committee is composed of volunteers who perform business and scientific reviews for each application.  The Review Committees will submit their recommendations to the Gulf Coast RCIC Board.  The Review Committee members for the most recent funding round are listed on this website.

   Each quarter, the Gulf Coast RCIC accepts applications for new volunteers to serve on the Review Committee.  Interested volunteers can submit an application through this website by clicking here.
    

6. What is the Gulf Coast RCIC Board?

   The Gulf Coast RCIC Board of Directors has responsibility for making the final decision on the applications that will be submitted to the ETF Advisory Committee.  Refer to the Gulf Coast RCIC Board page on this web site for a list of current Gulf Coast RCIC Board members.

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1. How do I apply for ETF Awards?

   Potential applicants are encouraged to contact their local EDO for guidance, and should review the online Application pages on this web site for details on submitting an application.

   Potential applicants should attend the quarterly Applicant Workshop, which will normally be scheduled about one month for the Application Submission Deadline.

   All Applicants will be required to attend an Application Planning Meeting with Gulf Coast RCIC Staff, which will be scheduled after the Applicant has submitted an Applicant Registration (to be scheduled after the Applicant Workshop).  Applications will not be accepted unless the Applicant has attended a Planning Meeting.   

2. What is the Application Fee for?

   The application fee is $250 covers the administrative costs for reviewing and selecting applications.  The fee is paid to the Houston Technology Center.

   For re-applications of projects previously processed by the Gulf Coast RCIC, a $125 re-application fee is required. 

3. What is the Applicant Agreement?
   
   An executed copy of the Applicant Agreement must be provided to the Gulf Coast RCIC (via mail) before the Applicant's Application will be accepted for processing.
   
   The Applicant Agreement affirms the Applicant's acceptance of the Gulf Coast RCIC's terms and conditions for processing TETF applications.
    
4. How will the Gulf Coast RCIC select the applications they will submit to the ETF Advisory Committee?

   On a quarterly basis, the Gulf Coast RCIC will follow its Application Process for reviewing and selecting applications to be submitted to the ETF Advisory Committee for funding consideration.  This process is documented on the Application Process pages on this web site. 

   For Life Science applications, the Gulf Coast RCIC may recommend those applications undergo an additional, independent, statewide review by the Texas Life Science Center.  Applicants will be notified if this extra review will be performed on their applications.

5. What is the Gulf Coast RCIC's timeline for researching and selecting applications?

   After the Application Submission Deadline, the Gulf Coast RCIC will typically have between 4 to 6 weeks to review all submitted applications and make their selections for state consideration.  The timeline for the current funding round is documented on the Calendar page on this web site.

6. Once my application is submitted, when will I hear from the Gulf Coast RCIC?

   The Gulf Coast RCIC will hold three levels of review meetings before a final selection is made for applications being submitted to the ETF Advisory Committee.

   After each review meeting, all applicants will be notified by phone and/or e-mail.  For the second and third round of Gulf Coast RCIC review, applicants will be asked to make a short (15 to 30 minute) presentation to the Gulf Coast RCIC.

   Each applicant will receive feedback from the Gulf Coast RCIC's volunteers and/or staff.

   For applications selected by the Gulf Coast RCIC for submission to the ETF Advisory Committee, Applicants will have an opportunity to amend their application and address feedback from the Gulf Coast RCIC, before the application documents are submitted to the State.

7. What happens if my application is submitted to the ETF Advisory Committee?

   Once the Gulf Coast RCIC submits applications to the state's ETF Advisory Committee, responsibility for the application passes to the State.

   The ETF Advisory Committee will likely request the Gulf Coast RCIC to organize a presentation from your company to members of the ETF Advisory Committee.  This presentation will be the same as the presentations given previously to the Gulf Coast RCIC Review Committee and Board.

8. If I'm not awarded funding, can I apply again?  Will I have to pay the application fee again?

   If you are not awarded funding, you may apply again.  The Gulf Coast RCIC provides feedback to all applicants, that can help them improve their applications for re-submission.  Applicants considering a re-application are also encouraged to schedule a planning session with the RCIC staff to go over feedback and the applicant's strategy for re-applying.

   A new application fee or a re-application fee  may be required if you re-apply. 

9. What happens if I'm selected by the State to receive funding?

   The details of this will be determined by the State.  A contract will be negotiated with the State on the project milestones, details of fund dispersement and return on investment for the State.

   The Gulf Coast RCIC will be available to provide assistance to companies receiving awards from the ETF.  All Gulf Coast region ETF Awardees are provided one year of Client Services from the Houston Technology Center as part of their ETF award.

10. Must my firm reside in Texas in order to qualify?

    Your firm must either reside in Texas, have plans to relocate to Texas and/or spend the majority of the awarded and matching funds in Texas. 

11. Must you have an established business to submit an application?

    Yes. 

12. Can businesses participate in multiple simultaneous applications?

    Yes.  Each application will require a separate Application Fee.  However, each business may only be allowed one active Award at a time.

    It is strongly recommended that businesses focus on one application per funding round.

13. Are there limits on the amount that can be requested?

    This fund will distributed in quarters over a two year period, to applications submitted through seven RCICs.

    Due to the amount of competition for the awards, applicants should carefully consider how much will be requested.

    The State will not fund Commercialization Awards over $5M.

    The suggested funding guidelines are:

    • Pre-seed, first-money companies - up to $250K
    • Early stage companies - up to $2.5M
      
14. What major factors that will be considered for funding requests?

    The priority for funding is:

    • Involves emerging scientific or technology fields that have a reasonable probability of enhancing the state's national or global economic competitiveness
    • May result in a medical or scientific breakthrough, or a breakthrough in clean energy technologies
    • Are collaborative with Texas universities
    • Are matched with other funds (with hard equity, not in-kind) and funding not covered by other public policy mechanisms or funds
    • Have a demonstrable economic benefit to the state
      • Creation of high paying jobs in the state (most jobs paying at least $18/hour)
      • Claw back if entity fails to perform a required action or meet milestones
      • Guarantee of commercialization or manufacturing in Texas
         
15. If I have previously received funding, can I apply for more funds?

    While companies may apply for additional awards, it's likely that companies may be restricted to receiving only one award during the State's two-year biennium.

    Pre-Seed Awardees will be authorized to receive up to a total of $1,000,000 for their award.  The initial funding will be up to $250,000, and once the initial project is completed, the pre-seed awardee may request up to the remaining allocated funds.  

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1. How do I fill out the Application?

   The Application form is a Microsoft Word document that can be downloaded from this web site.  Fill out the form using Microsoft Word (or compatible application).

2. What are Attachment Documents?
   
   The Application Form specifies Attachment Documents that are to be submitted with the Application.  Refer to the Application Form and Application Checklist for more details.
    
3. What will the Gulf Coast RCIC do with Confidential information?
   
   The Gulf Coast RCIC will not accept any Confidential information for their review of applications.  However, the State will accept Confidential information for review by the ETF Advisory Committee.
   
   At the Application Submission Deadline, the Gulf Coast RCIC will not accept any Application Forms or Attachment Documents containing Confidential information.
   
   For Applicants selected for submission to the State, there will be an opportunity to submit revised application documents, including Confidential information, for State submission.
   
   Upon completion of the application selection process, the Gulf Coast RCIC will destroy all applications and associated documents collected during the funding round.  Each Applicant should maintain copies of all information submitted to the Gulf Coast RCIC.  The Gulf Coast RCIC will not be able to provide back-up copies of documents submitted to the Gulf Coast RCIC.
    
4. How do I submit an Application?

   All applications to the Gulf Coast RCIC must be submitted electronically through this web site, included all required additional documents.

   No applications will be accepted via any other means.

5. How does the Gulf Coast RCIC define a "complete" application?

   All fields in the application should be populated with information.  If fields are not applicable, then indicate "N/A".

   The Application Form specifies what additional Attachment Documents are to be submitted with the Application Form.

6. Why can't I just submit our Business Plan?

   Using a standard Application form ensures reviewers will have the information they require.  A detailed Business Plan is a Required Attachment for all applications, along with a 2 page Executive Summary.

7. What is a Principal Investigator?

   "Principal Investigator" is an academic term referring to the person who is the lead on a scientific project.  For a company project, this would be the person driving the science or technology portion of the business.  This might be a lead engineer, company's CTO, or scientific advisor.  This person may not be a full time employee of the company, but must at least be affiliated through some form of collaboration.

8. What prior rounds of funding should be included in the "Other Sources of Funding" subsection?

   At a minimum, any project related funding received over the last year should be listed.  This does not include founder contributions.

9. What "in-kind" contributions should be listed?

   In-kind contributions include donations of time, office or laboratory space, or software licenses.  The in-kind contributions can illustrate collaboration and help validate the business concept.

   Matching contributions should be hard equity, and not in-kind.

10. Is "tax abatement" considered to be a type of "in-kind" funding?

    Yes.

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