JCATI 2027–28 Request for Proposals (FY28 Awards)
JCATI 2027–28 Request for Proposals (FY28 Awards) supports university–industry teams and engineering students in advancing aerospace technologies to solve Washington companies’ industry-defined problems.
This grant was recently updated
The 2026 supplemental RFP, due February 27, 2026, has been replaced by the 2027–28 RFP, now open and due February 26, 2027, at 5 PM PST. The new call covers TRL 3–7 rather than 4–7, requires no cost share, and changes other application details.
Funder: Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation
Due Dates: January 7, 2027 (Optional pre-review) | January 15, 2027 (Matchmaking) | February 19, 2027 (UW A&A budget sign-off) | February 23, 2027 (UW ME budget sign-off) | February 26, 2027 (Full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Up to $115,000 plus up to $5,000 for undergraduate scholars; one year, July 1, 2027–June 30, 2028
Summary: Supports university–industry collaborations that advance aerospace technologies and deliver solutions for Washington companies.
Key Information: Each project needs an aerospace-related industry partner with a Washington presence and must primarily support engineering students.
Description
The Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation (JCATI) is a Washington legislature-funded economic development program hosted at the University of Washington. Its awards give aerospace companies short-term access to public university engineering expertise while providing industry-focused research opportunities for students. Projects must address an industry-defined technology problem at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3–7, advance it one readiness level during the project year, and plan for transition to the industry partner within one year afterward, preferably sooner. Basic research and long-term research support are not appropriate.
Areas of strong interest include physical AI, robotics and autonomy; aerospace power and energy; agriculture applications; environmental domain awareness; sustainable aviation and alternative fuels; space sustainability and logistics; and advanced materials and manufacturing. Other aerospace technology innovation sectors are welcome.
