The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) announced the allocation of approximately $872,000 to support 16 new research projects through its 2026 Research and Innovation Seed Grant program. This decision follows a record-high submission of 122 proposals from CU Boulder researchers, a notable increase from 104 proposals in 2025. The rise in submissions comes at a time when the university has faced significant challenges, having lost 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 importance of the grant program in a recent statement. He noted that “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.”
The 2026 funding round reflects the program’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation. In the previous year, the initiative awarded around $900,000 across 15 new research projects, bringing the total funding provided since 2008 to approximately $19.6 million for over 417 projects across the campus.
Research Focus Areas for 2026
The scope of research funded by the Seed Grant program spans a variety of disciplines, including biosciences, health, sustainability, humanities, and quantum studies. Notable project topics for 2026 encompass weather monitoring, water quality assessment, artificial intelligence applications, folk religion studies, and initiatives aimed at reducing violence.
The Research and Innovation Seed Grant program is designed to support creative research projects with significant potential for innovation or societal impact. Researchers can receive up to $60,000 over an 18-month period to explore their ideas. Now in its 18th year, the program typically awards about $1 million annually.
This year’s proposals underwent rigorous evaluation by 14 review panels consisting of 45 faculty members, ensuring that the selected projects align with the university’s mission of advancing knowledge and addressing critical societal challenges.
The ongoing support of the Research and Innovation Seed Grant program reinforces CU Boulder’s dedication to fostering a vibrant research community, even in the face of fluctuating federal funding. As the university continues to prioritize innovative research, the potential benefits to society remain significant.
