Explore seed funding opportunities through IEEE’s TAB Committee to support your technical activities and research standards initiatives.
Unlocking Funding for Innovative Technical Projects
The IEEE TAB Committee on Standards (TCoS) is at the forefront of fostering innovation within the technical community. By providing technical activities grants, TCoS empowers engineers, researchers, and academics to initiate and advance projects that contribute to the development of new standards.
What Are Technical Activities Grants?
Technical activities grants are financial resources allocated to support projects that promote the creation and implementation of innovative standards. These grants are essential for:
- Initiating New Standards: Funding the proposal submission process, such as project authorization requests (PAR) or Industry Connections Activity Initiation Documents (ICAID).
- Promoting Standards Importance: Organizing events, workshops, and conferences to highlight the value and impact of standards in various industries.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Prioritizing projects that contribute to environmental and information sustainability, aligning with global efforts to address climate change and digital security.
Who Can Apply?
TCoS invites proposals from members of IEEE Societies and Councils (S/Cs). Eligible applicants include:
- IEEE Members: Individuals actively involved in IEEE Societies focusing on technical standards.
- Research Institutions: Universities and research centers engaged in cutting-edge technical research.
- Industry Professionals: Companies and organizations looking to standardize emerging technologies.
Key Areas of Interest
The committee is particularly interested in projects that:
- Address sustainability in the material or information universe.
- Explore emerging technologies such as quantum computing, intelligent infrastructure, and smart city solutions.
- Enhance digital content technologies, including advancements in the metaverse and telepresence.
Funding Details
In the second call for proposals of 2024 (Round 14), TCoS allocated up to USD $10,000 per project. Additionally, proposals that significantly impact sustainability can receive up to USD $20,000. Although Round 14 has closed, the next call for proposals is tentatively scheduled for Summer 2025.
Application Process
Prospective applicants should prepare their proposals to commence between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. The funding request must be submitted through the online Smartsheet form, which will be available in Summer 2025.
Application Checklist
- Detailed project proposal outlining objectives and expected outcomes.
- Budget plan justifying the funding request.
- Timeline for project initiation and completion.
For comprehensive guidance, applicants should refer to the Reference Guide and FAQs for Funding Requests provided on the TCoS webpage.
Success Stories
Several IEEE Societies have successfully utilized TCoS seed funding to advance their initiatives:
- IEEE Circuits and Systems Society (CASS): Launched new standards for energy-efficient circuits.
- IEEE Signal Processing Society (SPS): Developed advanced algorithms for climate change modeling.
- IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society: Enhanced cybersecurity protocols for smart infrastructure.
These projects not only contributed to their respective fields but also demonstrated the significant impact of technical activities grants in driving innovation.
The Importance of Technical Activities Grants
Access to funding is a critical barrier for many research and development projects. Technical activities grants from the IEEE TAB Committee provide the necessary support to overcome financial hurdles, enabling:
- Innovation and Research: Facilitating groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of technology.
- Standardization Efforts: Ensuring that new technologies are safe, efficient, and widely adopted through standardized processes.
- Community Building: Bringing together experts from various disciplines to collaborate on projects that have a global impact.
Looking Ahead
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, the demand for standardized solutions grows. The IEEE TAB Committee remains committed to supporting initiatives that address current and future challenges. By securing technical activities grants, projects can achieve sustainability, drive market creation, and ensure the widespread adoption of new standards.
“Funding technical activities is not just an investment in a project, but an investment in the future of technology and its ability to solve the world’s most pressing issues.”
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to elevate your technical projects and contribute to the advancement of industry standards, explore the funding opportunities with IEEE’s TAB Committee. Empower your initiatives with the support they deserve and make a lasting impact on the technological landscape.
