Industry Activities

The IEEE Robotics & Automation Society works with industry and government entities through the IEEE RAS Industrial Activities Board (IAB). The IAB is responsible for all industry or entrepreneurial related matters, including the growth of the industrial community within RAS.

    IEEE Robotics and Automation Society invites proposals for a new grant program supporting collaborative projects between academic and industrial partners. This initiative aims to accelerate innovation and real-world impact through global cooperation in robotics.

     

     

    Who

    Open to any stakeholders in the robotics ecosystem. Teams must be composed of at minimum two partners, one research partner and one industrial partner. Applicants should be from two different countries, preferably in two different geographical regions. Regions include the following:

    • Area 1 (Europe/Africa)
    • Area 2 (Asia/Pacific)
    • Area 3 (the Americas).

    Teams must consist of at least one research partner and one implementation partner.

     

    Research partners: can include university research institutes, non-commercial research centers outside the university sector, departmental research institutions with their own research projects and state research institutes.

    Implementation partner: are those actors who implement the novel robotic technology, thus creating economic added value. Can include incorporated start-ups, SMEs or larger companies. They can also be non-profit organizations such as municipal administrations that can generate societal benefits and reduce public costs through the implementation of innovative robotic solutions.

    What

    We support feasibility studies of a novel robotic application. Funding can cover all costs for testing feasibility, including creating, deploying and testing the technology, or running product market fit discovery.

    How Much

    The total grant amount allocated for approved projects is USD$50,000 from IEEE Robotics and Automation Society. This funding is intended to support collaborative efforts between academic and industrial partners to advance innovative solutions and create practical applications from research breakthroughs.

    Required Industry Contribution – An industry partner is required to contribute USD$15,000 in cash as part of the grant application. This mandatory contribution is essential to ensure commitment and support for the development of the project while promoting genuine collaboration between academia and industry.

    Please note that overhead costs are not included.

    Apply now for the grant!

    New Call expected late 2026

    Please email the application form and the confidentially agreement to [email protected].