The University of Colorado Boulder has announced a commitment of approximately $872,000 for 16 new research projects through its 2026 Research and Innovation Seed Grant program. This funding initiative comes in response to a record 122 proposals submitted by CU Boulder researchers, a notable increase from 104 proposals received in 2025. The surge in interest occurs against a backdrop of significant financial challenges, as the university has experienced losses of tens of millions of dollars in federal funding due to canceled grants and stop work orders.
Massimo Ruzzene, the senior vice chancellor for research and innovation, emphasized the program’s importance during these shifting federal funding priorities. He stated, “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.”
The 2026 funding round marks the continuation of a program that has been instrumental in supporting innovative research at the university. In 2025, the initiative awarded around $900,000 across 15 projects. Since its inception in 2008, the program has allocated approximately $19.6 million for over 417 projects across the campus.
Research Areas and Project Topics
The projects selected for funding cover a diverse range of disciplines, including biosciences, health, sustainability, humanities, and quantum research. Among the topics being explored in this funding round are weather patterns, water quality monitoring, artificial intelligence, folk religion, and strategies for reducing violence.
The Research and Innovation Seed Grant program aims to support scholarly research and creative projects that possess high potential for innovation or impactful outcomes. Grants can provide researchers with up to $60,000 over a period of 18 months. Each year, the program typically awards around $1 million in total funding.
For the current selection, proposals were rigorously evaluated by 14 review panels, comprising 45 faculty members who assessed the viability and significance of each project. This thorough review process ensures that the most promising and innovative ideas receive the necessary support to advance.
As CU Boulder continues to navigate the complexities of research funding, initiatives like the Research and Innovation Seed Grant program play a crucial role in fostering creativity and advancing knowledge across various fields.
