The Office of Research’s Industry Engagement Seed Grant supports USU faculty in building new relationships with industry partners that can lead to future sponsored research and collaboration.
This program provides flexible funding (up to $5,000) for early engagement activities, helping you make connections, explore shared interests, and position your work for long-term industry support.
Questions? Contact Dawnie Elzinga at dawnie.elzinga@usu.edu or (435) 797-2017.
What This Seed Grant Supports
This seed grant is not intended to fund a full research project. Instead, it supports the early work needed to launch a strong industry partnership.
Funds may be used for:
- Meetings with industry partners
- Travel to industry‑focused conferences or partner locations
- Industry workshops, visits, or small symposia
- Early collaboration activities that position future sponsored projects
The goal of every funded project should be a future industry‑sponsored research proposal.
What Counts as “Industry”?
Industry partners may include:
- Corporations and private companies
- National laboratories
- Healthcare organizations
- Trade associations or industry groups
Applicants must show that the partner has real potential to fund, or help connect with, future sponsored research.
Application and Submission Instructions
For full application instructions and eligibility requirements, view the Call for Proposals.
Application Deadline
This funding opportunity is available on a rolling basis, as funds remain.
Need support? Contact Dawnie Elzinga at dawnie.elzinga@usu.edu or (435) 797-2017.
USU Faculty Building Industry Connections
