The National Security Research Institute (NSRI) is pleased to announce a fall 2026 cycle of its NSRI Seed Grant Program. This program is designed to deliver impactful national security science and technology solutions that ultimately lead to successful extramural funding opportunities. Read about the first NSRI projects awarded this spring.
For this second cycle, NSRI anticipates funding up to two awards for up to $95,000 per award with a special focus on funding projects focused on microelectronics.
Program Goals
Beyond driving innovation, the program focuses on advancing national security research and education, enhancing the impact of the state and the University of Minnesota, and preparing students for the national security workforce.
NSRI serves as a regional hub dedicated to driving interdisciplinary collaboration with both internal and external partners on national security–related opportunities. Its operating structure is modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), emphasizing accelerated outcomes, interdisciplinary partnerships, and transformative scientific and technological impacts.
The program also aims to enable early-stage concepts that can evolve into major externally funded efforts and strengthen partnerships across the University, industry, and government.
Application Process and Eligibility
Proposals will be reviewed by members of the NSRI Industry Advisory Board (IAB). Finalists will be invited to deliver a presentation at the November 9, 2026 IAB meeting.
Principal investigators (PIs) must be University of Minnesota faculty (tenured, tenure-track, or research faculty), and collaborative proposals involving multiple departments, campuses, or external partners are strongly encouraged.
Availability/Deadlines
- June 8, 2026: RFP opens
- July 22, 2026: Information session for interested PIs - Registration link
- August 28, 2026: Proposal submission deadline
- Week of October 5, 2026: Finalists invited to present at the IAB meeting (5-minute presentation + 15-minute Q&A = 20 minutes total)
- November 9, 2026: Finalists present to IAB
- November 23, 2026: Anticipated award notification
- February 1, 2027: Award period begins
Learn more and apply: National Security Research Institute Seed Grant Program