Catalyst Grant Program for Hospitality and Gaming Innovation Spring 2026
ForecastedInternal — University of Nevada Las Vegas only
Catalyst Grant Program for Hospitality and Gaming Innovation Spring 2026 supports UNLV faculty–industry teams in applied research and product development to advance hospitality, gaming, and entertainment innovation.
Funder: University of Nevada Las Vegas
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Full application, anticipated)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 per award for up to one year, with a dollar-for-dollar industry match
Summary: Supports UNLV–industry applied research and product and service development in hospitality, gaming, and entertainment.
Key Information: A significant portion of the project must be conducted at Black Fire Innovation Lab.
Description
The Catalyst Grant Program seeds promising research and development in hospitality, gaming, and entertainment. UNLV’s Office of Economic Development (OED) administers the program through its Black Fire Innovation Lab, in collaboration with the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, International Gaming Institute, and Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering. Its Product & Service Development awards support new collaborations between UNLV faculty and industry partners and promote interdisciplinary applied research.
Priorities include developing or enhancing technology applications, strengthening academic–industry collaborations, and supporting entrepreneurial efforts. Projects may address event design and management, gaming and hospitality management, beverage management, human resource management, or innovative technologies. The program aims to create and license intellectual property, advance commercially viable products and services, support applied scholarship, and contribute to Nevada’s economic development.
