The Bold Challenges’ Boost initiative, a semester-long program that helps emerging cross-disciplinary research teams develop high-impact collaborative projects, has opened applications for the fall 2026 cycle.

Boost is designed to position multidisciplinary teams to pursue large-scale external funding within the next two to five years through structured activities and support in team building, strategic communications and research planning. 

Teams accepted into the program receive guidance from a research development professional and up to $75,000 to conduct research activities, such as gathering preliminary data and connecting with external partners. Researchers from all three U-M campuses are invited to apply by May 15.

Teams that have participated in Bold Challenges programs have brought in more than $80 million in research grant support to the university. This includes grants from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, NASA and the Leducq Foundation.

“Bold Challenges is designed to provide strategic assistance to U-M researchers who are working on the next generation of innovations,” said Arthur Lupia, vice president for research and innovation. “Our office is committed to creating the environment our researchers need to pursue complex research projects. These initiatives are the building blocks for the multidisciplinary solutions that the complex challenges of today require.”

Bold Challenges is affiliated with the Michigan Research Launchpad, an effort led by the Office of the Vice President for Research to connect U-M researchers with resources that aim to increase interdisciplinary work and help them prepare for competitive grant opportunities.

Accelerate, another Bold Challenges’ program, is designed to assist researchers with established projects looking to apply for center-sized grants and accepts applications on a rolling basis. Researchers participating in Accelerate receive expert support in proposal development to meet team needs and funder requirements, and up to $125,000 in seed funding to strengthen collaborations, host events and other needs that will strengthen the competitiveness of the proposal. 

U-M faculty interested in learning more about research funding and development opportunities available throughout the university can subscribe to Research Blueprint, produced by the Office of the Vice President for Research. The monthly newsletter aims to drive awareness of and encourage participation in opportunities that support innovative projects across disciplines.

“The Bold Challenges initiative empowers U‑M faculty to translate ambitious, interdisciplinary ideas into real-world impact,” said Jill Jividen, assistant vice president for research development. “Everything we do is designed to help faculty create teams and proposals that are as competitive as possible. We host events and programs that connect researchers with seed funding, cross-campus partners and the resources needed to facilitate innovation.”