Call for Proposals: Innovation Accelerator Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence (IAL–AI)

Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to share that Harvey Mudd College is launching the Innovation Accelerator Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence (IAL–AI), the newest initiative of our Innovation Accelerator. 

Through competitive internal funding, IAL–AI will support bold, forward-thinking projects that integrate teaching, research, partnerships and student engagement.

Key Details

• Seed Stage proposals (≤2 pages) due Oct. 24
• Proposals to be presented to participants at the Saddle Rock Trustee Retreat at Terranea during Nov. 7–9
• Awards will be announced by Dec. 15
• Up to $30,000 in funding available over January–December 2026 for each selected project 
• Growth Stage proposals (up to $200,000) will follow in fall 2026

Examples of Potential Focus Areas Include

• AI literacy and ethics modules for teaching and learning
• Responsible AI frameworks, AI for social good or human–AI collaboration in research
• Faculty–industry practice groups or entrepreneurship pathways
• Student engagement opportunities such as AI fellows, hackathons or K–12 outreach

Learn more about the deadlines and requirements to submit proposals via the call for proposals. There you will find a link to the two-page proposal submission form and email contacts to set up appointments with Karl Haushalter, Jennifer Eccles or me.

We look forward to your ideas and to shaping this important new laboratory together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.

Kind regards,

Harriet B. Nembhard
President