University-wide funding opportunities
Accelerating Research Innovation via AWS Sandbox
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. All full-time faculty may apply for cloud credits on the AWS Innovation Sandbox.
Deadline: open through December 31, 2026
Bridge Grant
The Bridge Grant program provides support for externally funded investigators who have lost extramural funding in the past twelve months or will lose their extramural funding within six months of the application submission. Bridge funds are meant to be used to mitigate losses of personnel, laboratory animals, and (in rare cases) critical laboratory equipment during gaps in external funding as opposed to developing new research.
Deadline: open through June 4, 2027 with quarterly reviews
Maximum amount: $40,000 Grant plus 50% match
Developing Industry Research, Exchange, Cooperation, and Travel (DIRECT) Grant
The IU Research Developing Industry Research, Exchange, Cooperation, and Travel (DIRECT) internal grant program is a new internal funding opportunity designed to support faculty in building research collaborations with industry colleagues.
Deadline: open through December 31, 2026 based on available funding
Maximum amount: $10,000 maximum award
External Resubmission Grant
The External Resubmission Grant program supports research projects that were previously submitted for, but did not receive, external funding, and whose likelihood of funding on resubmission to that same agency and program would increase with the acquisition of additional data or proof of concept. Reviews must indicate that the project is sound and innovative. The proposal must receive positive recommendations in accordance with the agency’s current funding levels. Proposals that were not reviewed or scored are not eligible for this mechanism. Please refer to the Seed Program.
Deadline: open through June 4, 2027 with quarterly reviews
Maximum amount: $50,000
IU 2030 Emerging Frontiers Grant
The IU 2030 Emerging Frontiers Grant program supports the formation of high-caliber, interdisciplinary research teams within IU. These teams are expected to develop bold and innovative research or creative projects capable of competing for substantial external funding (at least $1 million per project) from federal agencies or other external sources. The long-term goal of the Emerging Frontiers Grant program is to help build the pipeline for large-scale, teams-based projects over $5 million per project to align with the IU 2030 Strategic Plan goal of doubling $5 million externally-funded projects by 2030.
Deadline: November 1, 2026
Maximum amount: $50,000
IU ARC and IU LAB National Security Biotech for Defense
The IU ARC and IU LAB National Security Biotech for Defense program builds on the success of the 2025 IU LAB National Security Biotechnology Challenge Grant, an internal funding opportunity supported by IU Research. This second funding opportunity is focused on targeted defense-specific biotechnology projects. It is meant to prepare IU researchers to take advantage of the Department of War’s expanding investments in biotechnology, support NSWC Crane’s leadership role in BioMADE, and advance IU’s capabilities at the IU Applied Research Center (ARC).
Deadline: September 8, 2026
Maximum amount: $50,000
IU Presidential Arts and Humanities Program
Supports path-breaking work in arts and humanities areas. Funding is available through four programs.
Deadline: See specific programs.
Funding Programs:
Funding varies
Layered-Learning Program for Undergraduate (UG) Researchers
The Layered-Learning Program for Undergraduate Researchers is designed to support collaboration between undergraduate students and faculty, research staff, postdocs and/or graduate students. The program’s main objectives are three-fold including:
- Providing undergraduate students with the opportunity to have a high impact, high value undergraduate research experience utilizing a cohort model.
- Providing faculty with the opportunity to expand their research program, pursue new opportunities, and to potentially increase research outcomes (new grants, papers, etc.).
- Serving as a scalable way to offer more undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue research experiences.
Deadline: March 1, 2027
$65,000 maximum award amount per PI applicant
Public Arts and Humanities Project
Funds new projects that benefit the community and state at large through partnership and collaboration with civic or other community organizations.
Deadline: Closed for FY 2026
Maximum amount: $25,000
Research Conference Grant
The Research Conference Grant program purpose is to convene scholars from other institutions around the country and the world with IU faculty and students to explore novel ideas and initiatives, expand scholarly networks, and build new research and creative activity partnerships. Preference will be given to proposed conferences that are interdisciplinary and/or advance innovative ideas and themes within areas of research or creative activity consistent with the goals and objectives of the IU 2030 Strategic Plan.
Deadline: open through June 4, 2027 with quarterly reviews
Maximum amount: $10,000 Grant plus 50% match
Research Equipment Fund
The Research Equipment Fund (REF) provides support for purchasing new research or creative activity equipment, for repairing or upgrading existing equipment, and for datasets at IU university-wide that are strategically necessary to support high-quality research, attract and retain research faculty, and generate external funding. All requests to IU Research should be more than $5K (after the required cost-share is secured). There is no maximum request. There is no specified annual limit of funds available for this program. Funds will be allocated as available and consistent with the requirements of this program. This program requires matching funds.
Deadline: open through June 4, 2027
There is no maximum request.
Research Micro Grant
The Research Micro Grant program provides funding for small research projects, research expenses, book subventions, and other research related items in support of faculty research and creative activities that are sustainable through external funding.
Deadline: open through June 4, 2027 with quarterly reviews
Maximum amount: $3,000
Seed Grant
The Seed Grant program supports new, innovative research or creative activity projects that are sustainable through external funding. Seed Grant awardees are required to submit proposals for external funding based on their Seed Grant awarded research project within two years of the award letter date.
Deadline: October 1, 2026 and April 1, 2027
Maximum amount: $50,000
