• Minority Leaders Research Collaboration Program (ML-RCP)
• Advanced Prototyping and Experimentation (APEX)

• Minority Leaders Research Collaboration Program (ML-RCP)

  The Minority Leaders Research Collaboration Program (ML-RCP) is a long-standing initiative by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) aimed at fostering a diverse and inclusive research ecosystem. Launched in 2005 and recently renewed under a six-year, $40 million agreement, the program partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to expand participation in defense research. The program is managed by The Ohio State University in collaboration with Wright State University and North Carolina A&T State University.

  Program Goals
  • Increase participation of underrepresented institutions in AFRL research.
  • Support the development of a diverse STEM talent pipeline.
  • Build sustainable academic-government research partnerships.
  • Advance innovation in materials, manufacturing, sensors, and information systems.
• 
  Research Focus Areas
  • Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
  • Sensing and Detection Technologies
  • Information and Data Systems
  • Aerospace and Defense Applications
• 
  Student and Faculty Engagement
  • Students collaborate with AFRL mentors during the academic year and participate in summer research experiences.
  • Faculty and students gain exposure to federal research environments and defense technologies.
  • The program emphasizes real-world impact and national defense relevance.
• 
  Proposal and Funding Opportunities
  • Eligible institutions can submit white papers and full proposals.
  • Typical project funding ranges from $50,000 to $250,000 over 1–2 years.
  • Proposals are reviewed by AFRL experts, with rolling funding decisions.
• 
  Strategic Alignment
  ML-RCP supports AFRL’s 2030 Strategy by:
  • Expanding academic collaboration.
  • Building a diverse and skilled research workforce.
  • Accelerating innovation through inclusive partnerships.
  
  Contact preaward@uta.edu for more information about ML-RCP. 
• 
  
  Advanced Prototyping and Experimentation (APEX) OTA

  The Advanced Prototyping and Experimentation (APEX) OTA is a U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) initiative managed by JETX. Operating under 10 U.S. Code § 4021 and § 4022, APEX enables rapid and flexible acquisition of research and prototype projects with potential for follow-on production. The program is designed to operationalize science and technology through agile development and diverse partnerships.

  Program Goals
  • Accelerate the transition of research into deployable capabilities.
  • Enable flexible acquisition for emerging technologies.
  • Foster collaboration across government, academia, and industry.
  • Deliver transformational advantages to the warfighter.
  
  Research Focus Areas
  • Kinetic Capabilities (e.g., Hypersonics)
  • Energy Storage and Batteries
  • Microelectronics and Photonics
  • Unmanned Systems (UxS)
  • Critical Materials and Rare Earth Elements
  • Multi-Domain Operations (e.g., Space)
  
  Student and Faculty Engagement
  • While not student-focused, APEX encourages academic participation in research and prototyping.
  • Universities can collaborate on applied research with potential for real-world deployment.
  • Engagements emphasize rapid development and operational relevance.
  
  Proposal and Funding Opportunities
  • Open to traditional and non-traditional defense contractors, including academic institutions.
  • Projects are funded through Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements.
  • Emphasis on speed, flexibility, and iterative prototyping.
  
  Strategic Alignment
  APEX supports Army modernization by:
  • Bridging the gap between research and fielded capabilities.
  • Promoting innovation through agile acquisition.
  • Leveraging diverse partnerships for national security advancement.

  
  Contact preaward@uta.edu for more information about APEX.

The NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) drives the transformation of scientific discoveries into practical technologies that benefit society. TIP supports research with real-world impact, fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and communities, and helps grow innovation ecosystems across the U.S. Its programs aim to boost economic growth, create high-tech jobs, and ensure a diverse, skilled workforce for the future. Read more to learn about how you might fit in.

America's Seed Fund: SBIR and STTR

Are you a part of a startup looking to transform your ideas into products and services? Consider applying for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding. Total funding available is approximately $200 million every year and about $1.75 million per startup.
Apply for SBIR and STTR Funding

Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC)

Are you looking to build a research program to generate transformative research knowledge for technology development?  The IUCRC program catalyzes breakthrough pre-competitive research by enabling close and sustained engagement between industry innovators, world-class academic teams and government agencies.
Learn More About IUCRC

NSF Innovation Corps

Are you a researcher looking to extend your focus beyond the university laboratory? Consider applying for NSF I-Corps Teams funding to participate in the seven-week I-Corps curriculum. Teams receive mentoring, entrepreneurial training, and $50,000 for customer discovery.
Apply to I-Corps