The Washington State University President’s Big Ideas Initiative is an internal funding competition that is a mission-aligned research investment strategy designed to accelerate WSU’s impact across the state, the nation, and the world. Letters of intent are due November 10, with full proposals due January 23, 2026.
This initiative will catalyze transformational research through three major funding tracks, each aligned with WSU’s existing research strengths and with urgent needs across Washington. Tracks include:
- Track 1: Innovation Platforms for the Future: This track supports interdisciplinary clusters in high-opportunity domains—such as AI + Ag-Tech, Rural Health Resilience, and Energy & Climate Futures. By combining systemwide capacity into mission-aligned platforms, WSU will increase efficiency, visibility, and translational power.
- Track 2: Public Impact Research for Washington: This track targets applied research that directly benefits Washington’s communities, infrastructure, industries, and environment. Priorities include 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: This track fuels collaborative R&D with industry leaders in sectors like 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.
Visit the program page to learn more and apply.