The University of Colorado Boulder has announced the allocation of approximately $872,000 to support 16 new research projects through its 2026 Research and Innovation Seed Grant program. This funding initiative reflects a significant increase in interest, with the university receiving a record 122 proposals from faculty and researchers, up from 104 in 2025.
This surge in submissions comes at a time when CU Boulder has faced substantial challenges, including the loss of tens of millions of dollars in federal funding due to canceled grants and stop work orders. In a statement, Massimo Ruzzene, Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, emphasized the program’s importance: “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 and launch directions that ultimately benefit society in profound ways.”
Funding History and Project Diversity
In the previous year, the program awarded around $900,000 across 15 new research projects. Since its inception in 2008, the Seed Grant program has distributed approximately $19.6 million in funding for over 417 projects across the campus. This year’s funding continues a tradition of supporting innovative research that aims to create significant societal impacts.
The 2026 project topics cover a wide range of disciplines, including biosciences, health, sustainability, humanities, and quantum studies. Specific areas of focus for this year’s projects include weather patterns, water quality monitoring, artificial intelligence, folk religion, and initiatives aimed at reducing violence.
The Research and Innovation Seed Grant program is designed to foster research, scholarship, and creative projects that hold high potential for innovation or societal impact. Grants can provide up to $60,000 over an 18-month period, and the program typically allocates around $1 million annually.
Evaluating the proposals was a rigorous process, with 14 review panels comprised of 45 faculty members assessing the submitted projects. This collaborative approach ensures that the selected research aligns with the university’s commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing pressing global challenges.
As CU Boulder continues to adapt to changes in funding landscapes, the Research and Innovation Seed Grant program stands as a vital resource for its researchers, providing them with the means to explore ambitious and transformative ideas that can shape the future.
