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Penn Climate Innovation Seed Grants

General Information

Program Description

Penn Climate’s Climate Solutions Hub Innovation Seed Grants support multidisciplinary, faculty-led research projects that advance actionable climate solutions. The program is designed to catalyze innovative, early-stage work that leverages Penn’s strengths across science, engineering, health, policy, and design.

Penn Climate will fund up to two projects, with awards of up to $400,000 each over 1–3 years. Projects should demonstrate strong potential to generate measurable outcomes, attract sustained external funding, and contribute to Penn’s leadership in climate solutions.

Eligibility

  • Institution: Applicants must be affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania at the time of application and for the duration of the project period.
  • Appointment: Applications must be led by Penn faculty and may involve fellow Penn faculty, staff members, postdoctoral researchers, and students as collaborators.
  • External Collaborators: External collaborators are permitted; however, funding is limited to Penn personnel.
  • Program Alignment: Proposed projects must focus on climate solutions and demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration that leverages Penn’s strengths across disciplines.
  • For any sponsored research projects, the applicant must be eligible to serve as Principal Investigator for the project, unless otherwise noted in the LSO. Please see Penn’s PI Eligibility requirements to ensure you are eligible. 

Award Information

  • Funding: Awards of up to $400,000 per project for a period of 1–3 years, based on the scope of the approved proposal.
  • Number of Awards: Penn Climate will fund up to two projects. Budget (LOI Stage): Preliminary budgets should estimate major cost categories (e.g., personnel, supplies).
  • Budget Justification (Full Proposal): Invited proposals must include detailed budgets and justifications for personnel and major expenses.
  • Cost Share: Projects that include cost share are encouraged.
  • Allowable Costs: Funds are intended to support research activities and may not be used for indirect costs, faculty base salary, or other restricted categories as outlined in the program guidelines.
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Penn-Funded Opportunities Protocol 

What is a Penn-Funded Opportunity? Penn-funded opportunities are internal funding programs administered by Penn schools, centers, and departments to support research and scholarship. Awards are made through an internal competitive review process based on published program criteria and available funding

What is the Review Process for Penn-Funded Opportunities? Each program has its own internal review process. Review may include administrative screening for eligibility and completeness, followed by committee review. Award decisions are made based on program criteria and available funding.

Where do I find out about Penn-Funded opportunities on the OVPR website? Penn-funded opportunities administered by schools, centers, and departments may also be listed in OVPR’s funding opportunities directory. Use the filters on the left to refine your search. Opportunities are listed in summary form. Click on the title of an opportunity to view full details. 

How do I apply? Penn-funded opportunities are administered through OVPR’s InfoReady portal. Applicants should open the opportunity’s detail page and click “APPLY HERE,” then log in with their PennKey and submit the required materials by the internal deadline. Applicants should follow the submission instructions and internal deadlines provided in the opportunity listing and direct questions to the administering school, center, or department.