FY 2026 SensorLab Sensor Acquisition Grants 

Due Date: May 30, 2025

Limit on Proposals per PI: An individual may participate as PI on one proposal per cycle.

Earliest Start Date: July 1, 2025

End Date: All funds must be spent by February 28, 2026

Description:

The Healthcare Technology Innovation Lab – SensorLab, a flexible space configured for a variety of projects including XR studies, wearable sensor development, closed-loop sensing studies, and group dynamics studies, is pleased to announce the 2026 SensorLab Sensor Acquisition Seed Grants.

The new SensorLab Sensor Acquisition Grants are designed to support the acquisition of new sensors for an upcoming research project that is expected to be submitted for an external funding mechanism. The SensorLab will support the final sensor selection, procurement, data extraction, and data analysis. The SensorLab will assist with all aspects of the sensor acquisition process to ensure that the project can move forward smoothly and is set up for external funding success. Projects should utilize SensorLab equipment and facilities (for more information about equipment and sensors available and the SensorLab please visit http://sensorlab.arizona.edu).

This grant is aimed at projects that will help support research through the acquisition of new sensors, positioning the project to be competitive for external funding opportunities. The award will support up to $5,000 (requests up to $10,000 can be considered upon strong justification) in equipment/sensors specific to the project to be used in SensorLab. The final sensors procured (specific models, vendors, features) will be determined by the SensorLab with consultation with the PI during the grant execution and may be different after the initial sensors suggested by the proponent.

All equipment/sensors/software/licenses requested will remain as part of SensorLab inventory after the conduction of the project and be available to other researchers.

1. Expected Outcomes: 

The SensorLab Sensor Acquisition Seed Grants are intended to:

1. Support sensor-based research by providing funds to acquire sensors that will contribute to an upcoming research project.
2. Facilitate the sensor acquisition process, including the final selection, procurement, data extraction, and analysis stages.
3. Catalyze new extramural research by positioning the project to apply for larger external funding opportunities, especially those focused on sensor-based technologies.

2. Eligibility: 

The SensorLab Seed Grants are open to all personnel considered principal investigators (defined at https://research.arizona.edu/administration/getting-started/principal-in...). Projects must utilize existing SensorLab equipment and/or facilities and utilize the SeedGrant funds for the acquisition of additional sensors specifically needed for the proposed research. Preference will be given to proponents who have not previously awarded any SensorLab grants (Seed Grants, Student Grants, or Sabbatical Faculty Grants).

3. Other Program Details

        a. Proposal-Related Information: SensorLab Seed Grant proposals must be submitted by e-mail as a single PDF to barton@arizona.edu and gustavo@arizona.edu by 5:00 PM on May 30, 2025.

        b. Reporting Requirements: Within one month of an award’s end date, the PI must submit a final report via email as a PDF file. The report will describe: 

• Sensors Purchased
• Activities performed.
• Success in meeting project milestones. 
• Progress towards submitting an external grant

4. Review and Selection Processes: Reviewers will consider the following criteria:

1. New Sensors Category or Capacity: The proposed sensors should introduce a new sensor or enhance existing sensor capabilities within SensorLab, providing new functionality or capacity that is currently unavailable. This could include sensors with novel features, increased sensitivity, or specific applications that expand the types of research and experiments that can be conducted in the SensorLab. If similar sensors are available in our inventory, the proposal needs to address the reasons for acquiring the new sensors.
2. Enabling Research and External Funding: The sensors to be purchased must play a critical role in enabling the proposed research, positioning the team to successfully pursue external funding in the future. The project should clearly demonstrate how the new sensors will facilitate the achievement of research milestones and serve as a foundation for seeking additional external grants, particularly those focused on sensor-based technologies.
3. Potential for Capabilities and SensorLab Services: The acquisition of these sensors should have the potential to open new categories of sensors or provide expanded data/analysis services within SensorLab. The project should demonstrate how these sensors will require collaboration between the PI's group and the SensorLab, with the potential for future collaborations on external grants. These collaborations should contribute to the growth of SensorLab’s research capabilities and services, benefiting future researchers and enhancing the lab’s offerings.
4. Demand or Potential Demand for Sensor Use by Other Researchers: The proposed sensor should have a broad demand or potential broad demand for use by other researchers at the University of Arizona. The proposal should demonstrate how the sensor could contribute to research needs in other departments, labs, or academic units, showing that it can serve as a valuable shared resource for a broad community of researchers.

Selection will be based on review recommendations and alignment with University strategic plan.

5. Application and Submission Instructions: Seed grant proposals must be submitted in PDF by email (to barton@arizona.edu) AND gustavo@arizona.edu) by 5:00 PM on May 30, 2025.

        a. Narrative (maximum 3 pages)

                o Summary of Short- and Long-Term Milestones: Describe the proposed sensors, and how the sensors and the SensorLab collaboration will be utilized to support current and future research and how this research will lead to securing external funding.

                o Proposed Activities: Detail the activities corresponding to each milestone.

                o External Funding Opportunity: Include at least one extramural funding opportunity, including a link to the RFA/RFP/solicitation, the grant/program title, agency name, and submission deadline.

                o References (included within the three-page limit)

        b. PI(s) CV or agency-specific biographical sketch

        c. Budget and budget justification for the following category:

                • Sensor Acquisition: The funds requested in this category will cover the procurement of new sensors needed specifically for the proposed research. This may include hardware sensors, sensor kits, or custom sensor setups that are essential to the project’s objectives. The SensorLab will support the selection and procurement process to ensure that the right technology is chosen for the research needs.

                • Additional Services/Licenses: This category includes funds for services or licenses required for the successful implementation of the project. This may involve purchasing software licenses for sensor data processing tools, analytics platforms, or other specialized software that is needed for the project.

                • Limited Support for Subscription-Based Services: Whenever possible, we will support sensor acquisition proposals that do not require ongoing subscriptions (or yearly licenses). However, subscription-based services may be allowed on a case-by-case basis, with particular attention to long-term sustainability and the impact on future SensorLab budget. Proposals requesting such subscriptions must clearly demonstrate their necessity and how the service will directly contribute to the success of the project, while considering the potential burden on future funding cycles.

Questions:

Potential applicants are highly encouraged to contact Gustavo Almeida (gustavo@arizona.edu) to discuss their proposals before submission.