Skills Training in Advanced Research & Technology (START)
Skills Training in Advanced Research & Technology (START) supports two-year college students and faculty in industry-relevant research traineeships to build advanced technical skills and prepare for careers.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: April 15, 2027 (Annual target date) | Any time (Supplemental requests, with prior NSF approval)
Funding Amounts: Up to 20% of the original award; START supplements up to two years, START Site supplements over two years
Summary: Supports two-year college students and faculty in industry-relevant research traineeships at NSF-funded IUCRCs and ERCs.
Key Information: Only active ATE, IUCRC, or ERC grantees may request supplements, and prior NSF approval is required.
Description
NSF’s Skills Training in Advanced Research & Technology (START) provides supplemental funding to existing Advanced Technological Education (ATE), Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC), and Engineering Research Centers (ERC) awards. It supports students, faculty, and student/faculty teams from two-year institutions of higher education in experiential learning through industrially relevant research at IUCRCs and ERCs.
The program builds advanced technical skills and prepares participants for careers in sectors served by the centers. Traineeships emphasize use-inspired research of industrial and societal importance, emerging technologies, collaborative teamwork, and professional competencies in safety, ethics, communication, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Experiences may include industry interaction and mentoring at industry facilities. Longer-term START Sites serve as regional hubs for cohort-based mentorship and training.
