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

June 30, 2026 (Completed proposal submission) | July 20, 2026 (Application deadline for 2026-2027)

Up to US$30,000 per award; project duration is one year beginning in September.

Supports university-led research to advance digital technologies in steel manufacturing, fostering innovation and student-industry engagement.

--- ## Description This grant is designed to support university teams—specifically from engineering, scientific, or mathematical departments at North American universities—in developing and implementing digital technologies for the steel industry. It encourages projects in areas such as machine learning, computational science, simulation, augmented reality, additive manufacturing, and autonomous robotics, with the goal of addressing technical challenges in digitizing steel manufacturing. The grant aims to deepen understanding of digital transformation in steel, promote student engagement with the industry, and produce innovative, widely applicable solutions. Projects are expected to yield tangible outcomes and share results with the broader steel community. --- ## Due Dates - June 30, 2026: Completed proposal submission deadline (submit through application link) - July 20, 2026: Application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year Awardees will be announced in August. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: US$30,000 per project - Project duration: One year, beginning in September - Typically, one award is issued annually, subject to committee discretion and funding availability - Overhead costs are not permitted; funds must be used directly for the proposed project --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be teams from engineering, scientific, or mathematical departments at North American universities - Each proposal must include: - A faculty member (professor) and student team - An industry mentor from a steel-producing or steel-related company (AIST can assist in identifying mentors) - Universities may submit multiple proposals, but each must be a distinct project - Projects must focus on digital technology with direct relevance to steel manufacturing --- ## Application Process - Submit a completed proposal (maximum 10 pages) via the [online application portal](https://aist-grants.secure-platform.com/site/home/home) by June 30, 2026 - Required proposal components: - Team and mentor contact information - Project and executive summaries - Detailed work plan, deliverables, and schedule - Budget and cost distribution (including stipends and travel, if applicable) - Student engagement plans - Resumes/CVs for faculty, highlighting steel industry experience - Letters of support from the university department head and industry mentor - No overhead costs allowed; all funds must support the project directly --- ## Additional Information - Projects should emphasize student engagement and direct industry interaction - Outcomes are expected to be shared via a final report and, where possible, presentations at AIST events and publication in _Iron & Steel Technology_ - AIST provides a list of available [industry mentors](https://www.aist.org/students-faculty/faculty-grants-programs/digital-technologies-for-steel-manufacturing-grant/mentors) - The number of awards and funding is subject to the discretion of the selection committee and the availability of funds --- ## External Links - [Grant Program Page](https://www.aist.org/students-faculty/faculty-grants-programs/digital-technologies-for-steel-manufacturing-grant) - [Online Application Portal](https://aist-grants.secure-platform.com/site/home/home) - [Available 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 AIST Foundation](https://www.aist.org/foundation/about-aist/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Office | Email / Phone | Link | |------------------|-------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | AIST Foundation | +1.724.814.3000 | [Contact Form](https://www.aist.org/foundation/about-aist/contact-us) | ---

Digital Technologies for Steel Manufacturing Grant

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