RII Funding Programs
USC’s Office of Research and Innovation (OORI) advances research and scholarship that drives innovation, informs policy, and creates societal impact by providing programs and resources that expand the reach of USC-led initiatives.
Research Catalyst Program (RCP)
The USC Research Catalyst Program supports faculty-led projects across disciplines with strong ROI in both research and scholarship. The RCP is comprised of seven topic areas.
Details of each topic area can be found in the Request for Proposals.
Click here to view the webinar and Q&A session about the RCP funding opportunity.
Click here for a brief microlearning video that briefly explains the key point of the RCP funding opportunity.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Please note: The Innovation Catalyst Program and Research Catalyst Program are not currently accepting applications due to funding limitations. At this time, we do not have a confirmed timeline for when funding may resume. If these programs are reinstated, OORI will share updates with the USC community.
The Ming Hsieh Institute Research Awards and Zumberge programs will continue, as they are supported by dedicated endowment funds. The RFPs are under review and will be posted soon.
Click on the topic area below to apply.
Interdisciplinary Artificial Intelligence
Instrumentation
Institutional Training Planning
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Planning
Zumberge Preliminary Studies Research
Sustainability
Investigator-Initiated Project
Ming Hsieh Institute Research
Innovation Catalyst Program (ICP)
The Innovation Catalyst Fund was created to support early-stage Trojan innovators across the university. Designed to support students, faculty, staff, and alumni innovators, the fund provides resources for a range of innovation-related activities, such as covering legal and incorporation costs, supporting engagement with USC-affiliated startups to gain real-world experience, and advancing use-inspired research with entrepreneurial potential.
Details of each initiative can be found in the Request for Proposals.
Click here to view the webinar and Q&A session about the ICP funding opportunity.
Click here for a brief microlearning video that briefly explains the key point of the ICP funding opportunity.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Please note: The Innovation Catalyst Program and Research Catalyst Program are not currently accepting applications due to funding limitations. At this time, we do not have a confirmed timeline for when funding may resume. If these programs are reinstated, OORI will share updates with the USC community.
Click on the initiatives below to apply.
Innovation Empowerment
Stevens Translation Catalyst
Startup Launch
Early Career Innovator
Early Career Innovator – Techstar
Associates Award for Creativity in Research and Scholarship
Call for Nominations
The USC Associates Award for Creativity in Research and Scholarship are the highest honors the university can bestow on its members for their distinguished achievements.
Details of the Associates Award can be found in the Request for Nominations. Click here for the Request for Nominations.
Nomination Deadline: 5 PM, November 14, 2025
Click here for Nomination Form