Funding / Request for Proposals

2026 JCATI Supplemental Request for Proposals (PDF)

Supplemental RFP includes new IP Terms details

Proposal Due Date: Friday, February 27, 2026 5 PM PST

NOTE: due to the IP document, applications can be larger than 4 MB

JCATI project award funds pay for industry access to WA public university engineering expertise to help solve technology pain points. Preferred industry projects are Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4-7 issues (“Valley of Death”).

WA aerospace companies of all sizes use JCATI to address technical issues critical to their competitiveness. JCATI funds are not long-term grants or basic research support.

Proposals must be aerospace related with the impact occurring in Washington State. Aerospace is broadly interpreted and includes but is not limited to: software, AI, aerospace materials (metals, composites, 3D printed), aerospace propulsion and power systems (fuel or electric), air transportation modernization, aerospace cybersecurity, manufacturing and production innovation (robotics, additive manufacturing, augmented/virtual reality), controls and automation, airport ground systems, human-machine interfaces, communication systems, space systems and UAVs.

Industry can directly contact faculty or ask the JCATI Program Manager to help identify potential academic partners. If you need matchmaking help, contact the Program Manager no later than January 16, 2026.

• Each JCATI project has an academic and industry partner. The academic partner submits the application addressing the industry partner’s pain point. JCATI funds support students to work on the industry technology challenge. Industry provides the technical pain point, in-kind support and transition of technology back into the company.
• Academic partners must be from a Washington state public 4 year university College or Department of Engineering
• Aerospace industry partners must have a WA presence and contribute in-kind support. Project impact must occur in WA.
• Base budget request: $115,000. Applicants may request optional $5000 for Undergraduate Scholars Program
• Optional Supplementary Option Funding can potentially provide a maximum of $50,000 in additional funds
• Project period: July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027
• Proposals due February 27, 2026. Questions? Contact Beth Hacker, JCATI Program Manager, bhacker@uw.edu

Key Dates

Forms and Downloads

• 2026 Cover Sheet
• 2026 Budget Form
• Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)
• Best Practices
• 2026 Application Checklist
• 2026 Review Form
• JCATI Intellectual Property Terms Document (includes Collaborative Research Agreement)

Submit Applications Here