Sep. 12, 2025

 

The UNLV Office of Economic Development (OED) utilizing its Black Fire Innovation Lab (“BFI”) and in collaboration with the UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, International Gaming Institute and Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering is pleased to announce a call for Product and Service Development (“PSD”) grant proposals under the Faculty Opportunity Award: Catalyst Grant Program Spring 2026. The funding awards will be made to accelerate innovations through collaborations between UNLV and Industry aimed at addressing key Hospitality, Gaming, and Innovation initiatives. Full Proposal Submission Deadline:  November 3, 2025 (12:00 Noon PT)

Program Purpose: The goal of this program would be to seed promising research and development in areas of hospitality, gaming, and entertainment innovation. It aims to foster collaboration between UNLV faculty, students, industry partners and to promote interdisciplinary applied research within these sectors, aligning with the missions of the OED, Harrah College of Hospitality, International Gaming Institute, and Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering.

Award Type: Faculty Award for: Product & Service Development (PSD): Intended to support new collaborations between UNLV faculty and an industry partner (an "Industry Sponsor") in hospitality, gaming, or entertainment. fields.

The program prioritizes funding for initiatives that align with its mission to enhance Hospitality, Gaming, Entertainment applied research and practice.

Funding Priorities: Projects should aim to address key initiatives in hospitality, gaming, and entertainment innovation and must have an industry collaborator providing a dollar-for-dollar match and a significant portion of the project must be conducted at BFI. Drawing inspiration from BFI and the strengths of the Harrah College of Hospitality, priorities could include: 

  • Hospitality/Gaming Technology Use/Enhancement: Projects aimed at using, developing, and/or enhancing technology applications within the hospitality, gaming, or entertainment industries.

  • Hospitality/Gaming Economic Development: Projects aimed at fostering current academic-industry collaborations, building new collaborations, and/or entrepreneurial efforts by faculty (e.g., patentable products/ideas) within these sectors.

  • Innovation in Specific Hospitality Areas: Projects focusing on innovation in areas like Gaming, Event Design and Management, Gaming / Hospitality Management, Hospitality Beverage Management, Human Resource Management, or Innovative technologies in Hospitality, Gaming and Entertainment.

Full details and how to apply are available on the Catalyst Program web page.