Accelerating Research Innovation via AWS Sandbox
About this opportunity
Campus:
University-wide
Contact:
Alicia Gahimer,ord@iu.edu
Deadline:
Open through September 1, 2026
Award cycle:
N/A
Funding available:
N/A
IU currently holds expiring, unallocated Amazon Web Services (AWS) credits. To utilize this resource, Research Data Services (RDS) has developed the Research Innovation Sandbox, a controlled, low-risk computing environment where faculty can experiment with cloud-native research tools (e.g., GenAI, High-Performance Computing, Big Data analytics) without administrative or financial friction.
The AWS Innovation Sandbox
The AWS Innovation Sandbox is a purpose-built AWS solution that automates the deployment of isolated, "disposable" cloud accounts. It removes the two biggest barriers to cloud adoption in research: Fear of Cost Overruns and Security Risks.
This initiative utilizes IU’s existing, unused AWS cloud credits. There is no additional budget request for the credits themselves. The AWS Innovation Sandbox solution is open-source and leverages our existing AWS Landing Zone, resulting in negligible operational costs.
All full-time faculty may apply for cloud credits on the AWS Innovation Sandbox.
Application Process and Implementation
- Application: Researchers submit a brief request focusing on grant-funded research goals.
- Review: The Office for Research Development (ORD) reviews and routes request to UITS with their recommendation.
- Allocation: Approved projects receive a sandbox lease with a credit cap and a time limit of up to $1,000 and 90 days respectively. (Larger credit caps can be considered for exceptional projects.)
- Governance: The environment is isolated from the university’s existing cloud accounts.
- Transition: Before completion, researchers could request a cost-and-architecture report to include in their next grant budget for a full production environment.
Applications which target external funding opportunities will be prioritized. RDS can also offer support, including training for AWS sandbox use.
Submission
Applications will be taken on a rolling basis until September 1, 2026 or until the cloud credits have been used.
Apply online here: https://iurds-fireform.eas.iu.edu/online/form/authen/awssandbox