Call for Proposals: Research and Development Science Team Seed Grants (US)

Deadline: 1-Jun-21

The Discovery Partners Institute is calling for proposals for Research and Development Science Team Seed Grants to attract, develop and leverage the most ambitious people and companies the region has to offer — and keep them here.

The Discovery Partners Institute’s ambition is to propel Chicago and Illinois into a preeminent and inclusive tech economy over the next decade. Led by the University of Illinois System in partnership with top research universities, it does three things: tech talent development, Research & Development, and business building.

DPI prepares diverse students and workers to step into high demand tech jobs. It also builds research teams and matches them with new funding.

With state investment and a new innovation district in development, DPI has the resources to attract, develop and leverage the most ambitious people and companies into its ecosystem.

Sectors

For this funding opportunity DPI is seeking proposals in the following sectors:

Digital Government
Finance and Insurance
Food and Agriculture
Health and Wellness
Information Technology
Infrastructure
Transportation
Water and Climate

Funding Information

Funding available: Up to $125,000 over 18 months

Criteria

Successful DPI R&D Team Science Seed Grant proposals will have the following characteristics:
A minimum of two researchers with a lead faculty member from the University of Illinois System. Proposed teams are encouraged to include members from multiple partner universities or other organizations. They expect no more than four co-PIs. You are not limited in the number of senior personnel. The team (PI or one of the Co-Pis) must have at least one member with a 0.5 FTE appointment on a University of Illinois campus.
Focus on the application of Computing technologies (e.g., Analytics, Big Data, Networks, Edge/IoT, or Cybersecurity & Privacy) to one of DPI’s Scientific Sectors.
Economic impact and Commercialization potential. The project should address DPI’s mission of economic impact. They expect teams to be interested in realizing the commercial potential of their research, however, no prior experience in commercialization is expected.
Propose research and related activities that will lead to the submission of external grant applications and/or proposals for industry-funded R&D partnerships. Priority will be given to teams that propose specific large grants that they hope to pursue in the coming year.
Meaningful existing external engagement with private, public, or non-profit entities
Proposed team’s distinction and leadership in the field
Budget accurately reflects the needs of the proposed activities
Research team that is well organized and qualified to conduct the proposed activities
Reasonable timeframe and milestones