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MIT Sandbox Innovation Fund

MIT Sandbox Innovation Fund — Seed Grant

Supports MIT students with non-dilutive seed funds, mentorship, and reimbursement for early innovation.

Between cyclesMIT Sandbox Innovation Fund ProgramUnited States

The MIT Sandbox Innovation Fund Program provides non-dilutive funding of up to $25,000 per idea to degree-seeking MIT students pursuing innovative ventures across any sector. The program has been operating for over a decade and has supported thousands of student innovators through a combination of seed funding, mentorship, and entrepreneurship education. Funding is disbursed through reimbursements

Non-dilutive seed funding for MIT degree-seeking students pursuing any innovative venture, from early-concept exploration through growth-stage validation across any sector.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.
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.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: sandbox.mit.edu