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Industry-Integrated PhD (I-PhD) Scholars Program **NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

The is a new U.S. pilot designed to integrate industry-engaged research into the PhD dissertation experience. The program enables university-industry partnerships, with additional funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation, to jointly invest in STEM PhD students through a structured four-year model. This new program reflects priorities in

Eligible fields: Chemistry; Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering; Engineering; Geosciences; Life Sciences; Materials Research; Mathematical Sciences; Physics & Astronomy; Psychology; Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences; and STEM Education and Learning Research.  I-PhD scholars must be U.S. citizens.

There is a simple . The university-industry partnership submits a single application proposing support for one or more students. There is no limit on how many partnerships each university or industry may have. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.  PIs need to identify (91¸£Àû) funding for fellows in Year 1 (external grant, RA, TA, etc.), and Years 2-4 are fully funded through the industry partner (a total of $100k) and UIDP/NSF. 

Participating students receive joint mentorship from academic and industry researchers and spend at least one year, in aggregate, conducting dissertation-integrated research at an industry site. Students also participate in national cohort-based activities, annual convenings, and structured professional development opportunities, including an industry-preparedness certificate or micro-credential program designed to build competencies for working in industry and cross-sector research environments. The program is anticipated to include an initial cohort beginning in Fall 2026 and additional cohorts in subsequent years. Currently, the program is anticipated to support 250 students across cohorts.