Catalyst for Innovation & Collaboration Grants
The Catalyst for Innovation & Collaboration Grants fund cross-disciplinary research teams at the University of Arizona to pursue innovative projects in space, energy, health, mining, and agriculture.
Funder: University of Arizona
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (full application) | May 2027 (business officer/award-research administrator approval)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 per project; typically for a one-year period.
Summary: Supports cross-disciplinary, collaborative research at the University of Arizona in strategic areas like space, energy, health, mining, and agriculture.
Description
The Catalyst for Innovation & Collaboration Grants program at the University of Arizona is designed to foster new, cross-disciplinary research collaborations, with a particular focus on areas of strategic importance to the university and the State of Arizona. Supported by TRIF Initiatives, these grants aim to catalyze innovative research concepts, encourage the formation of diverse research teams, and promote partnerships both within the university and with external stakeholders.
The program welcomes proposals from teams representing multiple disciplines—including both STEMM and non-STEMM fields—in areas such as:
- Space science, technology, and national security
- Fusion energy
- AI-driven health innovation
- Sustainable mining and critical minerals
- Arid lands agriculture and water
Funding can support activities like proposal development, campus workshops, pilot data collection, and graduate or postdoctoral involvement. Emphasis is placed on initiating new research collaborations, especially those that are high-risk/high-reward and have potential for extramural funding.
