The AI & Big Data Interdisciplinary Research Development Area (iRDA) invites short proposals (1–2 pages) for internal seed funding to catalyze high-impact, externally competitive research.
This program is designed to strategically invest in interdisciplinary teams whose proposed activities will directly strengthen the development of major extramural grant submissions.
In addition, our group is collaborating with the Catalyst grant opportunity in UNLV Office of Economic Development, which potentially promotes your project with industrial partners. The team will provide additional funds and support for finding industrial partners and aligning your project with other programs, such as i-Corps, Zero labs, generator, startup NV, desert forge. For the additional support from the Economic Development team, we will ask your additional permission for the external review.
Program Goals
Seed funding must clearly:
- Align with the mission and scope of AI & Big Data iRDA
- Support the development of a competitive external grant proposal
- Demonstrate strong return-on-investment (ROI) potential
Examples of appropriate uses include:
- Generating preliminary data or pilot results
- Supporting a graduate research assistant
- Developing interdisciplinary proof-of-concept frameworks
- Enabling collaborative planning activities tied to a specific funding call
Eligibility & Team Composition
- Proposals must be submitted by an interdisciplinary team
- Teams must include members from at least two distinct disciplines
- The lead PI must be an active member of the AI & Big Data iRDA
Collaborations across colleges and units are strongly encouraged.
Funding Details
- Number of awards: 3–4 teams
- Typical budget range: $2,000–$4,000 per project
- Spending deadline: All funds must be expensed by Summer 2026
- Final report due: August 2026
* The additional funds from Catalyst will have separate funding timeline.
Proposal Requirements (1–2 Pages)
Proposals should concisely address:
- Project Overview
Clear description of the proposed activity. - Alignment with AI & Big Data iRDA
Explain how the work advances AI, data-intensive research, or computational innovation. - Extramural Funding Plan
- Target funding agency/program
- Submission timeline
- How seed funds will directly strengthen competitiveness
- Expected Outcomes & ROI
- Preliminary data, prototype, pilot study, white paper, etc.
- Clear pathway to a significant external proposal
- Team & Interdisciplinary Integration
Describe complementary expertise and collaboration structure.
A brief budget justification should be included.
Review Process
Proposals will be reviewed by the iRDA Co-Liaisons, in consultation with a small advisory committee.
Funding decisions will be based primarily on:
- Strategic alignment with AI & Big Data priorities
- Strength of interdisciplinary integration
- Clarity of the external funding pathway
- Likelihood of securing a significant extramural award
Funding decisions will be communicated to the entire iRDA membership.
Important Dates
- Proposal Deadline: March 27, 2026
- Award Announcement: April 3, 2026
- Funds Expended By: Summer 2026
- Final Report Due: August 2026
We strongly encourage bold, collaborative ideas that position our community for large-scale external funding success.
Please circulate among interested colleagues and reach out with questions.
