Create the Future: Apply for the IEEE Computer Society Emerging Technology Grants

Technology is evolving at an extraordinary pace—which brings the opportunity to create meaningful change. From improving healthcare access through AI to revolutionizing disaster response with robotics, emerging technologies are shaping a better future for humanity.

Do you have an idea that connects new technologies with the computing community and benefits the world? The IEEE Computer Society’s (CS) 2025-2026 Emerging Technology Grants Program is now accepting proposals.

The program offers funding of up to US $50,000 to support innovative projects, programs, and activities. We seek advancements that go beyond the engineering community and create solutions with a lasting humanitarian impact.

Join the ranks of other creative, advanced leaders

As emerging technologies reshape industries and everyday life, IEEE CS is committed to supporting initiatives that harness these advancements for meaningful impact. The 2024-2025 Emerging Technology Grants Program featured six forward-thinking programs that exemplified the power of technology to create meaningful change. They included:

• African Computer Vision Summer School (ACVSS) – A 10-day summer school in Kenya bringing together top African students and leading AI and computer vision scientists.
• ASTRA 2024 – A 14-day summer school in Romania introducing students to neuroimaging, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), and AI.
• Critical and Emerging Technologies Summit – A two-day event at Vanderbilt University convening students, academics, industry professionals, and public-sector leaders.
• Workshop Series on Emerging Human-Computer Interaction – A year-long workshop series focusing on artificial emotional intelligence, incorporating BCIs, eye-tracking, and AR/VR technologies
• Code Chronicles: A Virtual Museum of Programming Languages – A dynamic AR/VR-powered online museum hosting interactive events at Virginia Military Institute and Virginia Tech.
• GEN-AI Designed Fashion Show – A groundbreaking fashion event showcasing AI-generated designs, from casual wear to haute couture. (More on this program can be found in a recent Tech News blog post.)

“For this year’s grants, we are looking for projects that use technology to improve lives and bring about transformation,” says Hironori Washizaki, 2025 IEEE Computer Society President. “Our Emerging Technology Grants Program isn’t just about advancing technology—it’s about making a real-world impact.”

Now is your time to innovate

This is your chance to make that change. Are you ready?

The call for IEEE Computer Society’s 2025-2026 Emerging Technology Grants Program proposals is officially open. Submit your proposal by 14 April 2025 and help shape the future of technology for the benefit of everyone.

We are looking for projects that:

• Explore transformative technologies;
• Push the boundaries of conventional applications; and
• Build communities around emerging tech to address global challenges.

Don’t miss the opportunity to apply your computer science and engineering skills to support even broader societal benefits.

For more details on the application process and eligibility for the Emerging Tech Grant Fund.