The Office of the Vice Provost for Research is pleased to announce the second year of the Frontiers of Innovation for Societal Impact Fund. For centuries, Harvard has engaged with corporations and related entities to inform and strengthen our intellectual mission, support scholarship and students, and translate research discoveries to benefit society broadly. At a time when opportunities offered by engagement with industry have never been greater, the Frontiers Fund seeks to catalyze these collaborations and expand the reach and impact of Harvard scholarship.
Faculty are invited to propose innovative research and creative activities in any discipline that have the promise to meaningfully impact a demonstrated societal challenge and receive future support from corporations, venture capital, industry consortia, or foundations. Applicants may apply for support from two Frontiers Fund tracks:
– Spark awards, expected to be funded up to $100,000 to support the initiation of an area or branch of research or creative activity that can lead to new or expanding industry alliances
– Ascend awards, expected to be funded up to $400,000, to support the expansion or elaboration of an ongoing area of research or creative activity that can lead to new or expanding industry alliances
Applications are welcomed from individuals who hold a faculty appointment at any Harvard School and who have principal investigator rights at that School. Interested potential applicants are advised to carefully review eligibility criteria.
More information is available on the Frontiers Fund webpage. Applications for Spark and Ascend awards must be submitted by 5:00 PM, October 26, 2026 via the Harvard University Funding Portal. Finalists for Ascend awards will be asked to participate in a presentation before an external review panel. Funding notifications will be made in January 2027 for Spark applicants and February 2027 for Ascend applicants.
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