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National Science Foundation

Engineering Research Initiation (ERI)

Funds a first federal research grant for engineering academics outside the top research universities — at least $200,000.

OpenNational Science FoundationUnited States

NSF's engineering directorate built this to widen who does engineering research. It funds new academic investigators who have not yet won enough research money from federal agencies, to get their research programme started and their career moving.

The eligibility rule is the whole point of the programme and it is unusually blunt. Proposals are welcome only from institutions not currently classifi

A first substantial research award for new academic investigators in engineering who have not yet received sufficient federal research funding, at institutions outside the very-high-research-activity tier.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.9 Oct 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$11M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: 24-590Source: www.grants.gov