2026 TRANSLATING INNOVATIVE IDEAS FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD AWARDS (TIIP)

 

AWARD DESCRIPTION

Innovate Carolina's unit of Design and Innovation for the Public Good is investing in innovative projects with the clear goals of co-creating, testing, and scaling desirable, feasible, and viable human centered solutions. The Translating Innovative Ideas for the Public Good (TIIP) Awards are open to any UNC faculty, staff, or venture that is developing an idea, project, or company that will translate the University's best ideas to benefit the state of North Carolina and beyond.  Changemakers, investigators, entrepreneurs, and community engaged researchers from any discipline and in both not for profit and for-profit models are encouraged to apply. 

 

INNOVATION FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD

An innovation for the public good emphasizes human experience and co-creation to generate and test innovative ideas and solutions that all parties agree improve well-being and provide societal or commercial benefit to the people of North Carolina and beyond. 

 

ANTICIPATED FUNDING LEVELS

It is anticipated that three to four awards ranging from $25,000 - $50,000 for a one-year project period between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027 will be funded. While there are no limits on the proposed budget amount, all budgets should be well aligned with the project scope, methods, and timeline.

 

TIMELINE: Project period July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

Late February     RFP Launch  

Mid March          Letters of Intent due

Early April            Invitations for full proposals                       

Late April             Proposal applications due

Mid May              Award Notifications

 

Click HERE for a description of the FY25 cohort of TIIP Awardees

 

Please check back in early February for further information and to access the 2026 award application.

For more information contact:

Bill Romani, PT, PhD, Director of Design and Innovation for the Public Good at wromani@unc.edu