Gov's Nexus and Commercialization Forms
Use these forms to disclose an invention or creative work, protect confidential information, apply for funding, or sign up for Gov's Nexus events. Not sure which one you need? Email innovation@apsu.edu and we will help.
Before you publish or present
Publicly sharing an invention (a paper, poster, conference talk, thesis, website, or pitch) can limit patent protection. Talk to us before you disclose your work publicly so we can review your options.
Disclosure
Invention Disclosure Form
Use this form for a new process, device, composition of matter, software, or an improvement to an existing product or process. It asks for inventors, sponsors, a description of the invention, related prior art, and any planned publications.
Copyrightable Work Disclosure Form
Use this form for software, written works, course materials, media, artistic works, and other creative works with commercial potential.
How to submit a disclosure
- Download the fillable PDF, save it to your computer, and complete every section in Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader.
- Email the completed form to Kelly Pitts, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, at pittsk@apsu.edu, and copy innovation@apsu.edu.
- ORSP reviews the draft and follows up with comments or questions.
- The final version is routed for signatures through Adobe Sign. Do not sign the draft.
Disclosures are handled under APSU Policy 2:047, Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer.
Confidentiality
Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
Use an NDA before you share unpublished research, data, or invention details with a company, or before a company shares its confidential information with you. Faculty and staff should not sign NDAs on behalf of APSU. Complete the summary page and email it to ORSP; the agreement is executed by an authorized University signer through Adobe Sign.
If a company sends you its own NDA, forward it to pittsk@apsu.edu for review.
Funding applications
TTAC Proof of Concept Funding
APSU faculty and staff can apply for Proof of Concept funding to validate an early-stage idea. APSU awards from $1,500 to $15,000 per project from a $25,000 pool. Apply through LaunchTN; applications are sent to APSU for internal review and selection.
Go to the TTAC Proof of Concept application
Tip: filing an invention or copyright disclosure first makes your application stronger.
Other TTAC programs
The TTAC Innovation Fellowship, Travel Grant, Maturation Grant, and Partnership Program are described on the LaunchTN TTAC page. Email innovation@apsu.edu before you apply so we can help with your application.
Event sign-ups
Faculty and Staff Lightning Talks: Speaker Sign-Up
Give a 3 to 5 minute talk about your research or creative work on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 2:30 to 4:00 pm CT. Each speaker receives a personalized list of matched grant opportunities within a week after the event. Sign-up closes Friday, November 13, 2026. APSU login required.
Questions
Email innovation@apsu.edu, or contact Michael J. Wilson, Commercialization Counselor, at wilsonm@apsu.edu.
This project is funded under an agreement with LaunchTN and/or the State of Tennessee.