President’s Big Ideas Initiative is a bold, mission-aligned research investment strategy designed to accelerate WSU’s impact across the state, the nation, and the world. Funded through FY27, this initiative will catalyze transformational research through three major funding tracks each aligned with WSU’s existing research strengths and Washington’s most urgent needs. From wildfire resilience, to AI-powered agriculture, to biomanufacturing and energy testbeds, these tracks aim to unlock breakthrough solutions, forge high-value partnerships, and solidify WSU’s role as the people’s research university.
Funding Tracks
Track 1: Innovation Platforms for the Future
Funding Available: Up to $1,000,000 total
Award Size: $200,000 – $400,000 per award
Number of Awards: 3 – 5
This track supports the development of interdisciplinary, mission-aligned research platforms that leverage WSU’s research strengths and integrate expertise across colleges, campuses, and disciplines. In FY27, Track 1 funding will prioritize scaling research in three priority domains: Future of Food, Energy Futures, and AI for Healthcare.
Track 2: Public Impact Research for Washington
Funding Available: Up to $700,000 total
Award Size: $100,000 – $200,000 per award
Number of Awards: 4 – 7
This track targets use-inspired, applied, impact-focused research projects that address pressing statewide or regional challenges. Priorities include but are not limited to wildfire prevention and response, water security and conservation, cybersecurity, healthcare accessibility, energy transitions—delivered in partnership with state agencies, industry, and nonprofits.
Track 3: Enterprise Partnerships for Transformative Research
Funding Available: Up to $300,000 total
Award Size: $50,000 – $150,000 per award
Number of Awards: 2 – 6
This track fuels collaborative R&D with industry leaders in sectors like, but not limited to, biomanufacturing, aerospace, forestry, and precision agriculture. It also supports fee-for-service lab models, AI solution hubs, and IP commercialization, expanding WSU’s capacity as a responsive, enterprise-ready innovation partner.
Contact & FAQs
If you have any questions about the Big Ideas Initiative or the proposal submission process, please contact the Office of Research at or.orap.servicedesk@wsu.edu.
Frequently asked questions about the President’s Big Ideas Initiative (PBII) are answered here: