IDEA Grants

Innovate, Develop, Elevate, & Advance (IDEA) grants are designed to improve the implementation, translation, and/or scaling potential of MUSC innovations that produce real-world impact for those we serve. 

This RFA solicits applications for two distinct tracks:

1. Technology Track – for innovations involving software, devices, or digital tools. See the IDEA Grant file folder for example milestones and summaries of previously funded projects (linked below).

2. Therapeutics Track – for clinically-focused innovations involving therapeutic or diagnostic strategies. See the IDEA Grant file folder for example milestones and summaries of previously funded projects (linked below).

A total of $90,000 will be granted through two $45,000 awards for short-term (six-month) projects. Applicants may apply under either track. 

Timeline

RFA Q&A Sessions:	Wednesday, October 1, 2025 @ 8:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 1, 2025 @ 12:00 P.M.
Applications Open:	Monday, September 22, 2025
Applications Due:	Friday, October 10, 2025 at 11:59 P.M. EST
Award Notice:	Friday, November 15, 2025
Awardee Orientation:	Mid-December
Award Phase:	January 1 - June 30, 2026

Links for both Q&A sessions can be found here:

IDEA Grant Q&A Session 1 Registration

IDEA Grant Q&A Session 2 Registration

Eligibility

Principal Investigators (PIs) must be full-time or part-time MUSC faculty. Students, residents, fellows, and post-docs may apply with a faculty mentor's support.

IP must be assigned or assignable to MUSC. Project must satisfy one of the following:

Fit within an MUSC key area of strength: Cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, or precision health; OR Pioneer transformative change through use of AI or other technology.

Budget and Allowable Costs

Faculty salary support is not allowed. Technical support salaries, research expenses, and prototyping costs are permitted. Indirect costs and general office expenses are not allowed.

Application Format - Prototype/Work Sample

1. Application Information 

• PI name, title, department, email.
• Team members and roles.
• Mentor letter (if applicant is not faculty).

2. Prototype / Work Sample - Submit ONE of the following

• Video (3 min. max.) demonstrating prototype in action;
• Up to 3 Images/screenshots with captions (max. 75 words per caption) describing the functionality; or
• Documented output (i.e., data snippet, patient tool, schematic) with brief explanation (max. 200 words).

3. Q&A – Short Response (responses should be a maximum of 150 words each).

• Problem/Need: What gap or challenge does your innovation address?
• Proposed Solution: How does your prototype/work sample address this gap?
• Impact: Who will benefit, and how will success be measured?
• Next Steps: What will you accomplish in the next 6 months with this funding?

4. Budget Snapshot -  High level table of expenses (no justification required at submission). All submissions should use the budget template provided in the file folder linked below.

5. CV(S) - Include CV(s) for PI and key team members.

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by a panel including scientific/technical evaluators, external reviewers, and leadership from the Office of Innovation and the Zucker Institute. The panel will score each submission according to the rubric included in the file folder linked below. The are general criteria under which all proposals will be evaluated, along with targeted criteria based on the type of proposal submitted (technology vs. therapeutics). All proposals can receive a maximum of 50 points and will be ranked together.

File Folder

Click the link below to access the IDEA Grant file folder that includes the full RFA announcement, scoring rubric, and budget template.

IDEA Grant Files - FY26

Contact Us

For assistance, please contact Chelsea Kotsiras. 

Contact Us

For assistance, please contact The Office of Innovation