The MIT–Imperial Seed Fund 2025 is now open for applications, offering up to $50,000 in funding to help kick-start early-stage research collaborations between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Imperial College London.

This initiative aims to promote high-impact research, foster scientific innovation, and accelerate the deployment of frontier technologies across disciplines. Over the past decade, MIT and Imperial have jointly invested more than £1 million to advance research in areas such as quantum science, artificial intelligence, sustainable materials, circular economy, precision medicine, and climate adaptation.

About the MIT–Imperial Seed Fund

The MIT–Imperial Seed Fund supports early-stage collaborative projects that have the potential to deliver significant academic and societal impact. As part of the MIT Global Seed Funds 2025–2026 cycle, this program strengthens research partnerships between two of the world’s leading institutions.

Both universities are committed to tackling global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting innovation that benefits communities worldwide.

Funding Details

Grant Amount: Up to USD 50,000

Eligible Applicants: Collaborative teams involving members from both MIT and Imperial College London

Application Deadline: 16 December 2025 (23:59 Boston, USA time)

Program Cycle: MIT Global Seed Funds 2025–2026

Eligible Activities

The Seed Fund supports a wide range of activities designed to foster meaningful collaboration and early-stage innovation. These may include:

• Exploratory Research: Funding for pilot studies, travel costs, and preliminary investigations.
• Prototype Development: Small-scale experiments or testing of proof-of-concept ideas.
• Collaborative Visits: Travel for faculty, researchers, and students between MIT and Imperial.
• Hackathons and Workshops: Events designed to stimulate creative thinking and cross-institutional problem solving.
• Networking Events: International seminars, symposia, and conferences to strengthen partnerships.
• Short Research Stays: Up to two months for students or staff to learn new techniques or conduct joint research.
• New Research Networks: Initiatives that promote knowledge exchange, best practices, and future project development.

Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative and sustainable collaboration methods, such as virtual research exchanges or hybrid engagement formats, to reduce travel-related carbon emissions.

Application Process

Submission Deadline: 16 December 2025 (23:59 Boston, USA time).

Review and Reporting

Applications will be evaluated based on academic merit, collaborative potential, and alignment with the goals of the MIT–Imperial partnership. Successful applicants will receive detailed guidance on accessing funds, reporting requirements, and opportunities for follow-on funding.

Why Apply?

The MIT–Imperial Seed Fund offers a unique opportunity to:

• Build international research partnerships.
• Access seed funding for innovative, early-stage ideas.
• Strengthen academic networks between two globally recognized institutions.
• Advance research that addresses pressing global challenges.

Application Deadline: 16 December 2025 (23:59 Boston, USA time)

If you have questions, contact the Global Seed Funds team at cis-gsf@mit.edu.

Apply here: Application

For more information: MIT Global Seed Fund

For more opportunities: Opportunities for Youth