3-Minute Read | How to Apply for the UIDP I-PhD Scholars Program
Seven things university-industry partnerships need to know
Aug. 18, 2026—The UIDP Industry-Integrated PhD (I-PhD) Scholars Program introduces a new model for U.S. STEM doctoral education, one that integrates industry research, joint mentorship, and shared university-industry investment into the PhD experience. For organizations considering participation, the application process is the first step in determining whether that model is a good fit for an existing or emerging U-I partnership. Before applying, universities and companies should understand several key elements of the program, including research and student eligibility, funding mechanisms, and the responsibilities that come with participation.
About the UIDP I-PhD Scholars Program
The UIDP I-PhD Scholars Program is a U.S. pilot designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) doctoral education by integrating sustained industry research into dissertation-based PhD training. The program provides four years of coordinated doctoral support through shared university and industry investment, with additional co-funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Directorate (TIP). Participating students receive joint academic and industry mentorship and spend at least one year, in aggregate, conducting dissertation-integrated research at an industry site. The pilot is designed to support a minimum of 250 students across multiple cohorts.
The program is the first pilot launched through UIDP’s Strengthen and Modernize Initiative (SAMI). Introduced in 2024, SAMI is a global call to action to improve the effectiveness of cross-sector, collaborative research and innovation.
What I-PhD Applicants Need to Know
Applications from university-industry partnerships are now being reviewed on a rolling basis for fall 2026 and subsequent cohorts. Here’s how to get your application started.
- Start with a partner and defined goals
Applications are submitted by university-industry partnerships, not by individual students. Each partnership submits a joint application, which may be completed by either the university or industry representative, but the applicant must be authorized to act on behalf of both organizations. UIDP requires applications to include university and industry points of contact and the university’s Authorized Organizational Representative so the appropriate stakeholders can be involved as the partnership moves toward onboarding.
Organizations may participate in multiple partnerships, and a partnership may support more than one student if it can meet the program requirements for each scholar. The partnership may be new or existing, but the organizations must identify one another before applying. UIDP does not provide matchmaking or partner-pairing services as part of the pilot. Many organizations may begin with relationships developed through sponsored research, industrial advisory boards, recruiting, corporate engagement, or other existing connections.
Participation is open to both UIDP members and nonmembers, and membership has no bearing on selection. All U.S. STEM PhD-granting institutions are eligible. Industry participation may include large companies, small and medium enterprises, and university-affiliated startups. Other types of companies may be eligible. Interested parties should contact UIDP for more information.
- Focus on program fit, not a full research proposal
Applicants are asked to briefly describe the anticipated collaboration, explain why the partnership is interested in participating, and identify the primary discipline or general research area. Detailed technical information is not required because UIDP is not evaluating the scientific merit of individual research projects.
The proposed work must accommodate dissertation research and fall within an eligible STEM field, including STEM education and learning research. At the application stage, however, UIDP is primarily assessing organizational readiness and alignment with the goals and structure of the program. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with UIDP seeking broad representation across disciplines, national and regional priority areas, geographic regions, institutional types, and partnership structures.
For applicants, the most useful narrative is a clear description of the collaboration: the general research area, the connection between the university and company, why an industry-integrated doctoral experience makes sense, and what the partners hope to accomplish through participation.
- Understand what must be settled now and what can come later
The application is the beginning of the participation process, not the end.
At submission, partners do not need to have finalized intellectual property provisions, publication and confidentiality terms, student selection, named mentors, an Individual Development Plan, or a detailed industry-placement schedule. The application form allows some information to remain undetermined.
Those elements must be finalized during onboarding and before formal student participation begins. This gives partners room to apply when they have a credible collaboration but need time to finalize the operational details.
- Understand the four-year funding model
The UIDP I-PhD Scholars Program uses a shared investment model involving the university, industry partner, and NSF as the program’s third-party co-funder.
The university is responsible for supporting the student during Year 1 through a funding mechanism it determines appropriate. During Years 2–4, industry contributions and third-party co-funding provide coordinated support. Industry partners are expected to contribute at least $100,000 per participating student over the four-year program period, including a minimum initial contribution of $25,000 before formal student participation and release of program funds.
Submitting an application does not create a financial commitment. The application asks partners to confirm that they understand the proposed funding model and the expectations associated with participation. Once a partnership is approved, company funding may be accepted and held before a student is selected and the four-year participation period formally begins.
- Plan for an industry-integrated dissertation research experience
A defining feature of the UIDP I-PhD Scholars program is the requirement that students spend at least one year, in aggregate, conducting dissertation-integrated research at an industry site.
The program provides flexibility in how that requirement is met. The industry experience may consist of one extended placement, several shorter periods, or a combination. Timing and structure are jointly determined by the university and industry partner based on research objectives, dissertation progress, and organizational needs.
Applicants do not need a final placement calendar when they apply. What does need to be clear is that the industry research is a defined component of the student’s dissertation, not a separate short-term internship. Partners should consider how the industry environment, research objectives, university degree requirements, and student progress will fit together over the course of the PhD.
- Consider student selection, eligibility, and mentorship
University-industry partners accepted into the program will jointly select students based on mutually agreed criteria, research objectives, and project requirements.
Students must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents enrolled full-time in an eligible research-based STEM doctoral program. Students are identified before or during the first year of doctoral study. They remain full-time students of their home universities throughout participation and are not required to become employees of the industry partner.
Student selection is closely connected to the program’s mentorship model. Each scholar is supported by both an academic and an industry mentor, and both are expected to serve on the dissertation committee. Together with the student, the mentors develop and maintain an IDP addressing research progress, industry engagement, professional development, and mentorship expectations.
- Know what participation requires after selection.
The application is relatively streamlined, but formal participation carries broader organizational responsibilities.
Before student onboarding and release of program funds, partners will enter into a program participation agreement with UIDP and certify that required frameworks have been established. Intellectual property, publication, confidentiality, and related terms remain the responsibility of the university and industry partner. UIDP and NSF do not prescribe or negotiate those agreements.
Participating organizations also agree to take part in cohort activities and program evaluation. Students and mentors will participate in recurring cohort engagement, and students will complete annual progress reporting tied to continuation of program funding. The program also includes structured professional development and an industry-preparedness certificate.
Take the Next Steps
For universities and companies considering the UIDP I-PhD Scholars Program, the application process is an opportunity to determine whether the partnership, research interests, funding approach, and doctoral training model align.
Download the UIDP I-PhD Scholars Program Guide, download and view the application questions, coordinate with your partner, and submit your joint application. Questions can be directed to i-phd@uidp.net and will be discussed during a series of Office Hours Zoom calls.
Interested parties can also register for a September 3 webinar featuring the latest program updates and sign up for UIDP I-PhD Scholars email announcements.
We want to hear from you
Is your organization willing to explore this new model for U.S. STEM doctoral education? What elements of the I-PhD Scholars pilot excite or concern your team? Share your perspective on LinkedIn.
Go Deeper
Register for the September 3, 2026, I-PhD Updates Webinar
Register for the ongoing series of I-PhD Office Hours Q&A Sessions
Sign up for UIDP I-PhD Scholars email announcements
Visit the UIDP I-PhD Scholars website
Download the UIDP I-PhD Scholars Program Guide
Download the Program at a Glance Guide
Download and Review the application questions
Read the UIDP I-PhD Scholars Program announcement
Watch the UIDP I-PhD Scholars Program Launch Webinar
The 3-Minute Read is a UIDP member information piece and does not represent the opinions of our members or representatives. We welcome your comments on our LinkedIn profile.
