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The President’s

Big Ideas Initiative

Purpose-driven. Impact-oriented. Future-focused.

A bold, mission-aligned research investment strategy

designed to accelerate WSU’s impact across the state,
the nation, and the world.

TRACK 1

Read more about Innovation Platforms for the Future.

Innovation Platforms
for the Future

TRACK 2

Read more about Public Impact Research for Washington.

Public Impact Research
for Washington

TRACK 3

Read more about Enterprise Partnerships for Transformative Research.

Enterprise Partnerships for Transformative Research

View Supported Projects
Wind turbines on the Palouse in Washington State.

Innovation Platforms for the Future

Track 1: Interdisciplinary clusters in high-impact domains such as AI + Ag-Tech, Rural Health Resilience, and Energy & Climate Futures.

Award size:
$200,000 – $400,000 per award

Number of awards:
3 – 5

Projects in Track 1 focus on mission-aligned platforms, integrating existing capabilities systemwide to increase efficiency, visibility, and translational power over the long term.

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Public Impact Research for Washington

Track 2: Applied research that directly benefits Washington’s communities, infrastructure, industries, and environment.

Projects in Track 2 will partner with state agencies, industries, and nonprofits to meet the needs of communities in Washington state, including workforce development, infrastructure resilience, and other solutions to real-world problems.

Award size:
$100,000 – $200,000 per award

Number of awards:
4 – 7

Businesswoman meeting with research team.

Enterprise Partnerships for Transformative Research

Track 3: Collaborative R&D with industry leaders in sectors like biomanufacturing, aerospace, forestry, and precision agriculture.

Award size:
$50,000 – $150,000 per award

Number of awards:
2 – 6

Projects in Track 3 will expand WSU’s capacity as a responsive, enterprise-ready innovation partner through startup development, fee-for-service lab models, and IP commercialization.

Got a research idea? Let’s hear it!

Get the details on submitting proposals.