The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) has announced it will allocate approximately $872,000 across 16 new research projects through its 2026 Research and Innovation Seed Grant program. This funding initiative aims to support innovative research and creative projects that demonstrate high potential for impact.
The university received a record-breaking 122 proposals from its researchers this year, an increase from 104 proposals in 2025. This surge in submissions occurs amidst the backdrop of substantial financial challenges, with CU Boulder facing a loss of tens of millions of dollars in federal funding due to canceled grants and stop work orders.
Supporting High-Risk, High-Reward Research
“During this time of shifting federal funding priorities, the Research & Innovation Seed Grant program remains a reliable cornerstone that empowers CU Boulder faculty to pursue high-risk, high-reward ideas,” said Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation. Ruzzene emphasized that the program ultimately aims to direct research efforts that can significantly benefit society.
In the previous year, the program awarded around $900,000 to support 15 new research projects. Since its inception in 2008, the initiative has provided roughly $19.6 million in funding for more than 417 projects across the campus. The 2026 round of funding continues this tradition of supporting innovative research.
The projects funded through this grant program cover a wide array of disciplines, including biosciences, health, sustainability, humanities, and quantum research. Specific topics for this year’s funding range from weather and water quality monitoring to artificial intelligence, folk religion, and strategies for reducing violence.
Evaluation and Impact
The Research and Innovation Seed Grant program is designed to foster research and scholarship with significant potential for innovation. Researchers can receive grants of up to $60,000 over an 18-month period. This year, proposals were rigorously evaluated by 14 review panels, comprising 45 faculty members who assessed the submissions for their creativity and potential impact.
As the program enters its 18th year, it continues to play a vital role in encouraging groundbreaking research at CU Boulder. By providing a consistent source of funding amidst challenging financial landscapes, the university aims to empower its faculty and researchers to pursue ambitious projects that may lead to transformative societal benefits.
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