UIDP I-PhD Scholars Program

The UIDP I-PhD Scholars Program, launched in fall 2026, and led by the University-Industry Demonstration Partnership (UIDP), provides coordinated doctoral support jointly funded by universities, companies, and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Directorate (TIP). 

This is a pilot program funding students pursuing full-time dissertation-based Ph.D. training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with industry experience integrated into their doctoral research. 

Participating students receive joint mentorship from academic and industry researchers, and spend at least one year (in aggregate), conducting dissertation-integrated research at an industry site. Students also engage in national cohort-based activities, annual convenings, and professional development opportunities, including a complementary program designed to build competencies for working in industry and cross-sector research environments.

Students' first year of funding will be provided by their universities, with the remaining years covered by NSF. Industry partners will provide matching commitments to cover at least one year of practical experience conducting dissertation research at a company site. 

Application Process:

  1. Identify an industry partner and secure a letter of commitment from them (see example on Google Drive, CalNet login required)
  2. Submit a proposal in Phoebe for review by the UC Berkeley Industry Alliances Office (IAO). The proposal must include:
    • UIDP as the sponsor
    • a budget as outlined in the I-PhD Program Guidelines
    • the industry partner’s letter of commitment
    • a chart string for funding the first year of the program
  3. IAO will approve the proposal, and IAO will provide a proposal transmittal letter, at which point the principal investigator (PI) is approved to submit to UIDP
  4. UIDP will review the proposal and make a funding decision
  5. If selected for funding, UIDP and industry partner will enter into their own agreement for industry partner funding support for the I-PhD Program (University is not involved in this step)
  6. If selected for funding, UIDP will enter a funding agreement with UC Berkeley through IAO
  7. IAO will negotiate with the industry partner to put in place the agreement governing intellectual property, publication, and confidentiality
  8. Once 6 & 7 are signed and finalized, the award will be finalized in Phoebe and UC Berkeley's Contracts and Grants Accounting (CGA) office will set up a fund number

About the UIDP I-PhD Scholars Program

Visit the UIDP website for program details

IPIRA Concierge

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