[Association for Iron & Steel Technology](https://www.aist.org/)

June 30, 2026 | July 20, 2026

Up to $30,000 per award for one year; typically one award annually.

Funds university teams to develop innovative digital technology solutions for challenges in the steel industry.

No overhead costs permitted; industry mentor required.

--- ## Description This grant supports university teams from engineering, scientific, or mathematical departments at North American universities to develop and implement digital technology projects aimed at advancing the steel industry. Focus areas include machine learning, computational science, simulation, augmented reality, additive manufacturing, autonomous robotics, and related digital technologies. The program seeks projects that deepen understanding of technical challenges in steel manufacturing digitization, foster direct student engagement with industry, and deliver solutions with broad applicability and high impact. Collaboration with an industry mentor from a steel-producing or steel-related company is required. --- ## Due Dates - June 30, 2026: Completed proposal submission deadline - July 20, 2026: Final application deadline for the 2026–2027 academic year Award decisions are typically announced in August. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant per award: **$30,000** - Project duration: **One year** (beginning in September) - Typically, one award is made annually, but this may vary based on proposal quality and funding availability. No overhead costs are permitted; all funds must directly support the proposed project. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be teams from engineering, scientific, or mathematical departments at **North American universities**. - Proposals must include: - A faculty lead (professor) - Student team members - An industry mentor currently employed by a steel-producing or steel-related company (AIST can assist in identifying mentors if needed) - The industry mentor should be actively involved and, preferably, an AIST member. - Universities may submit multiple, distinct proposals. --- ## Application Process - Submit proposals through the [AIST grant application portal](https://aist-grants.secure-platform.com/site/home/home). - Proposal requirements (max 10 pages): - Team and mentor details (names, roles, contact info) - Proposal summary (project name, requested amount, duration) - Executive summary outlining the challenge/solution and industry impact - Detailed work plan, deliverables, and outputs (including non-technical benefits) - Project schedule with tasks and milestones - Budget breakdown (stipends and travel allowed if detailed) - Student engagement plans - Clarification on project status (new, continuation, or multi-year—max two years) - Faculty resume/CV and description of prior industry interaction - Letters of support from both the university department head and industry mentor - Proposals must be submitted by **June 30, 2026**; applications accepted through **July 20, 2026**. - Awardees will be notified in August. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should emphasize student engagement, probability of success, industry impact, and a clear timeline with milestones. - No indirect or overhead costs allowed. - Awardees are required to submit a final report and are encouraged to present their results at an AIST event. - Final project outcomes may be published in *Iron & Steel Technology* magazine. --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Application Instructions](https://www.aist.org/students-faculty/faculty-grants-programs/digital-technologies-for-steel-manufacturing-grant) - [AIST Foundation Faculty Grants Programs](https://www.aist.org/students-faculty/faculty-grants-programs) - [Available Industry Mentors](https://www.aist.org/students-faculty/faculty-grants-programs/digital-technologies-for-steel-manufacturing-grant/mentors) - [AIST Foundation Policies](http://www.aist.org/AIST/aist/AIST/Foundation/bot_2012_05_07_bylaws.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Phone | 217-328-3870 | | Program Website | [AIST Foundation](https://www.aist.org/) | For specific program or application questions, use the program links above to access further contact or mentor information.

Digital Technologies for Steel Manufacturing Grant

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