About this programme
The Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) grant program funds competitive research at Idaho's state universities, aimed at strengthening the state economy by developing expertise, products, and services that can drive growth. The Higher Education Research Council (HERC), under the Idaho State Board of Education, directs the program.
Only four institutions can receive IGEM funding: Boise State University, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, and University of Idaho. Proposals must fit the statewide higher education research strategic plan.
How it works
The program runs a two-stage process: a pre-proposal stage followed by a full proposal for those selected to advance.
Reviewers favor proposals that show strong collaborative effort between institutions and that have high potential for near-term technology transfer from the university to a private company.
For the FY2028 cycle, the pre-proposal deadline is October 26, 2026 at 6pm Mountain Time, with selections announced by December 11, 2026. The full proposal deadline is February 26, 2027 at 6pm Mountain Time.
Who can apply
The proposal must come from one of Idaho's public research universities: Boise State University, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, or University of Idaho.
The proposal should show strong collaboration between institutions and demonstrate near-term potential for transferring the resulting technology to the private sector.
How to apply
- Review the FY2028 Request for Proposals and the RFP Frequently Asked Questions document.
- Submit a pre-proposal by the October 26, 2026, 6pm Mountain Time deadline.
- If selected to advance (notifications by December 11, 2026), prepare and submit a full proposal, including the Full Proposal Budget Spreadsheet and Full Proposal Quad Slide, by February 26, 2027, 6pm Mountain Time.
Documents you’ll typically need
- FY2028 Request for Proposals
- Full Proposal Budget Spreadsheet
- Full Proposal Quad Slide
- RFP Frequently Asked Questions document
Frequently asked
Who can apply for an IGEM grant?
Only Idaho's public research universities: Boise State University, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, and University of Idaho. Individual startups cannot apply directly.
What does the FY2028 timeline look like?
Pre-proposals are due October 26, 2026 at 6pm Mountain Time, with selection announced by December 11, 2026, and full proposals due February 26, 2027 at 6pm Mountain Time.
What kind of proposals score well?
Ones that show strong collaboration between institutions and a high potential for transferring the research into a private-sector product or service in the near term.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.