STaRS (Science and Technology Research Seed) Grant
The STaRS Grant from STRIVE Vermont funds early-stage STEM research in Vermont, supporting pilot studies and capacity-building at underfunded institutions to boost future grant competitiveness.
Funder: STRIVE Vermont
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 | March 15, 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $15,000 per project; funding period up to 12 months; 3–5 awards annually.
Summary: Supports early-stage STEM research projects in Vermont, helping underfunded institutions and small organizations build capacity for future major grant proposals.
Description
The STaRS (Science and Technology Research Seed) Grant, offered by STRIVE Vermont, provides seed funding to faculty-led or researcher-led STEM projects that aim to enhance Vermont’s research ecosystem. This program is specifically designed to help historically underfunded institutions and small organizations initiate pilot studies or proof-of-concept work, laying the groundwork for future proposals to major external funders such as the NSF, NIH, or DOE. Along with financial support, awardees receive onboarding, guidance, and hands-on assistance to empower them in research development and capacity-building. STRIVE Vermont seeks to foster collaboration, address current STEM debates, and build sustainable STEM capacity with a strong emphasis on benefiting Vermont’s students and research community.
