Through support provided by the National Science Foundation’s Accelerating Research Translation (NSF ART) program, the MSU Technology Transfer Office (TTO) announces the availability of the Seed Translational Research Program. 

NSF ART aims to “increase the scale and pace of advancing discoveries made while conducting academic research into tangible solutions that benefit the public” [NSF-ART]. 

Through the STRP program, we are currently supporting a wide array of projects, ranging from educational tools to help first generation college students succeed in higher education, to solutions that expand the resilience of food systems on a global scale, to radiation-resilient computers used in satellites, and more. 

The STRP program features tailored programming, ongoing mentoring, personalized support, and some financial assistance, designed to assist MSU innovators at all stages of the research translation process. Program participants will participate in state-of-the-art training and mentoring programs specifically tailored to the needs of each project. Participants will have access to programs such as the MSU Builders’ Program, regional or national NSF I-Corps program, and gain access to leading mentors through the Mentor In Residence program, industry experts, and more, depending on specific project goals.  

Programs such as these are valued at nearly 250K. Further, it’s been demonstrated that participation in some of these programs increases the SBIR/STTR grant award rate from roughly 14% to over 60%.  

 

Project specifics: 

  • Total funding available for all awards: $25,000-150,000 (direct costs) 
  • Total funding available 400-500K 
  • 5 anticipated awards  
  • 2026 awards to be announced December 5, 2025 
  • All projects will begin January 1, 2026 
  • Project length may vary from 12-24 months 

Eligibility: 

  • In addition to submitting a written proposal, additional information and forms may be required.  

Conditions of program: 

  • Engagement with an expert team to select and evolve key milestones that ensure progress through project readiness level and increase the chances of receiving continued funding through STRP (phase II award).  
  • Submission of a final report, due 30 days after end of project. Format and specifics to be communicated in advance of deadline. 
  • A translational outcome must be achieved by the end of the project. 

 

To apply: 

1. Attend an STRP Information Session

Program participation requires a significant commitment in time and effort. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an STRP Information Session on Monday, August 25th, 11am-12pm MDT or Tuesday, August 26th, 2:30-3:30pm MDT. A recording of the information session will be made available on this page.

2. Submit Letter of Intent (LOI) Application (Form Below) by Friday, September 12th  

Applicants may also meet with a representative from the TTO office to discuss their project and applicability for this program. Applicants interested in meeting with a representative from TTO should reach out to tto@montana.edu. 

 3. If LOI is accepted, submit Funding Program Application by October 31st 

Application details to be communicated to applicants upon approval of LOI.  

Please note applicants may be required to meet with a TTO representative to discuss their proposed project prior to application submission. 

 

Current graduate student? Have an idea or discovery? Collaborate with us! 

 

Questions? Contact us at tto@montana.edu  

 

 

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MSU ART Seed Translational Research Program (STRP)
Letter of Intent Application

Please complete the following application to submit your Letter of Intent for the 2026 NSF Accelerating Research Translation Seed Translational Research Program (STRP). 

Questions? Contact us at tto@montana.edu
If applicable, list the names, departments, email addresses and roles (research associate, post-doc, graduate student, etc.) of any additional team members.
NSF’s ART program aims to support the translation of fundamental academic research into tangible solutions that benefit society. That benefit may be realized through commercial application or by other, non-commercial means. Describe the scope or prevalence of any problem you hope to address and the potential resulting societal benefit. Where applicable, tell us about the individuals, groups or communities that could be directly impacted by your project.
We understand your project may include potential Intellectual Property (IP). Information provided here will be utilized for the STRP selection process only and will remain confidential.
What specific tasks are you currently tackling? What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next year? Two years?
This could include funds, partnerships, mentoring, material resources, etc.