Riccio College of Engineering Faculty Innovation Fellows
Call for Applications: Due Oct 14
The Riccio College of Engineering is pleased to announce the launch of the Faculty Innovation Fellows program—an exciting new initiative designed to champion faculty-led innovation, foster entrepreneurial thinking, and accelerate the translation of research into real-world impact.
Each year, we anticipate supporting 2–3 faculty members who demonstrate a bold vision for innovation and a commitment to advancing the college’s mission through creative, interdisciplinary approaches.
Please submit application by October 14, 2025
Program Goals:
- Support faculty in transforming research ideas into startups, products, or public impact initiatives
- Connect Fellows with training programs, funding opportunities, and campus resources
- Showcase faculty innovation through public presentations and collaborative workshops
- Cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the Riccio College of Engineering
Fellowship Experience:
Selected Fellows—and a member of their research group (graduate student or postdoctoral fellow)—will:
- Participate in the I-Corps @ UMass Amherst Training Program or a regional short course offered by the New England I-Corps Hub
- Engage with a cohort of innovators across disciplines (I-Corps @ UMass Amherst, Accelerating Research Translation @ UMass Amherst, Tech Transfer Office, Maroon Venture Partners Fund, Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship.
Institute for Applied Life Sciences, etc.) - Attend and share a slide about their work at the Riccio College of Engineering Innovation Day, scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2025.
- Receive up to $6,000 to support ideation, product development, and/or commercialization
Eligibility & Application:
All full-time faculty within the Riccio College of Engineering are eligible to apply.
Submit completed application by October 14, 2025.
The application includes:
- A brief statement of the nominee’s innovative work or vision (maximum 500 words)
- A description of how the nominee’s efforts align with the goals of the fellowship (maximum 250 words)
- A high-level budget and explanation of how funds will be used (maximum half a page)