Seed Funding

The Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) is pleased to announce a seed funding competition. This competition is designed to fund teams interested in research that will improve the Department of Defense (DoD) Supply Chain System and enhance combat power for America. Applicable research topics include current/future all emerging technologies such as AI/ML, computer science, data analytics, cyber security, etc; and non-technical disciplines including national/international policy, novel business processes/techniques, and many more. This funding opportunity aims to support these awardees in generating proof-of-concept, developing interdisciplinary teams, and establishing mutually beneficial relationships with DoD funding agencies. 

• Winning teams will be awarded up to $20K by OADII, per project.
• Funds will be awarded prior to June 30^th, 2023.
• Funds can be expended from July 1^st, 2023, to June 30^th, 2024. Unspent funds will be returned to OADII/VPRP.

• Proposals must support (directly or indirectly) Supply Chain Resilience and/or Supply Chain Risk Management.
• Proposals will be evaluated on team make-up (interdisciplinary, junior faculty/student involvement).
• How the proposal will build long-lasting teams capable of competing for larger funding opportunities with major funding agencies.  ​
• The extent to which the proposed research/solution translates to real-world DoD supply chain challenges. 

• At least one member of each team must be from a Norman campus program.
• Team members should register as an OADII affiliate by completing the OADII Affiliate Form.
• Submit a one-page summary of the proposed work to OADII@ou.edu within the proposal submission window of May 3^rd through June 9^th, 2023. Proposals received after June 9^th will not be considered.
• Submit a one-page budget on how you plan to use the funds.
• Proposal must address the following:
  • What is the problem to be addressed?
  • What have others done to solve the problem?
  • Why has the problem not been solved (what is the gap)?
  • What will you do to fill the gap?

• Announcement Date: May 3, 2023
• Submission Window: May 3 - June 9, 2023
• Award Announcement: June 23, 2023
• Quarterly Project Process Reviews: TBD
• Performance Period: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024