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. 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 interdisciplinary clusters in high-opportunity domains—Priority will be given to platforms focused on WSU research strengths, particularly AgTech / FoodTech. By combining systemwide capacity into mission-aligned platforms, WSU will increase efficiency, visibility, and translational power.
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 applied research that directly benefits Washington’s communities, infrastructure, industries, and environment. Priorities include but are not limited to wildfire response, regional climate resilience, and sustainable water and energy systems—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.
Deadlines
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Letters of Intent Due | November 10, 2026 |
| Full Proposals Due | February 2, 2027 at 9:00 a.m. |
| Applicants Notified & Awards Announced | March 2027 |
| Funding Start Date | April 2027 |
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.
Answers to frequently asked questions about the Big Ideas Initiative have been collected at the page linked below: