Research
 

Call for Proposals

We welcome proposals related to AI, algorithms, quantum, and a combination of these themes. This call is open to Principal Investigators (PIs). All proposals must have both an MIT and an IBM PI. Email Kenney Ng kenney.ng@us.ibm.com to discuss your proposal or for assistance finding a PI counterpart.

The proposal submission period has ended. We anticipate making another call for proposals this year.

Topics

We welcome proposals related to AI, algorithms, quantum, and related themes, including:

  • Advanced AI and Hybrid Computing Paradigms: Research aimed at integrating artificial intelligence with traditional computing systems and developing entirely novel AI computing paradigms, including the development of robust algorithms and verifiable methods for AI. This can include theoretical development, experimental implementation, or a combination.
  • Efficient and Trustworthy AI Systems: Developing efficient and modular language and multi-modal model architectures, alongside enterprise-focused AI systems tailored for real-world deployment where reliability, transparency, and trust are critical.
  • Mathematical and Algorithmic Foundations: Investigating the foundational math and algorithms behind machine learning, optimization, Hamiltonian simulations, and partial differential equations (PDEs) to better approximate complex dynamical systems that provably exceed classical computing limits.
  • Novel Quantum Algorithms: Accelerating the development and experimental implementation of quantum algorithms designed to solve complex problems, particularly focusing on applications with high impact in materials science, chemistry, and biology.
  • Quantum-Centric Supercomputing: Developing hybrid architectures that integrate maturing quantum hardware with classical systems and advanced AI to address complex problems. A key focus is optimizing solutions for quantum processors with sparse qubit connectivity.
  • Computational Discoveries: Enabling new computational approaches to accelerate breakthroughs in both the physical and life sciences.

Timeline

May 4 June 15 End of August Post Award September 1
Submissions open Submissions close at 11:59 PM ET Proposals selected and funding decisions conveyed MIT and IBM teams work with PIs to complete documentation Selected research projects expected to commence

Project Requirements

  • Participate in occasional Lab events, such as demo showcases.
  • Submit a final report (3-5 pages) outlining results, impacts, and next steps.
  • Participate in reviewing submissions for call for proposals.

How to Apply

  • Fill out the proposal template then submit via the application form below.
  • Please save your proposal as a single PDF or Word file named: “MIT-IBM Proposal – [MIT PI Last Name] – [IBM PI Last Name]”
  • Do not route proposals to RAS – only funded proposals will be routed at a later stage.

Proposal Requirements

  • The proposal teams can include only MIT personnel or IBM personnel as participants.
  • Duration: 1 year, with September 1, 2026 or January 1, 2027 start date.
  • Use the project proposal template to create a 5-page proposal describing one year of research. Include technical details and a list of milestones and deliverables. It should provide sufficient information for reviewers to make an informed evaluation. References and figures can be additional pages.
  • Include a budget table and budget narrative, including name of co-PIs if any and personnel if known. Use your unit’s budget template.
  • When applicable, include outcomes of previous awards held with the Lab (papers, patents, presentations).

Click to download:
Project Proposal Template
Project Report Template

Funding & Budget Guidelines

  • The budget of each research project is expected to be in the range 100,000 – 300,000 total cost per year, depending on the scope of work and personnel requirements.
  • The Lab awards are sponsored research under MIT’s tuition subsidy policy. Accordingly, budget graduate research assistants (RAs) using the 55% tuition subsidy rate, prorated to reflect their level of effort.
  • Budget full research F&A.
  • Support staff charges are not allowed.
  • For assistance with the budget preparation, please contact your unit’s Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) or Fiscal Officer (FO).
  • For budget questions, please reach out to Kate Anderson kateand@mit.edu.

Submission Form

The form is closed. Check back to submit for the next call for proposals.