Sea Grant Project Development Opportunities

Objectives:Seed funding is an important tool for MIT Sea Grant in supporting new technology initiatives. Important breakthroughs in areas such as “green” energy or climate change effects may start small and require a flexible, rapid response. With these funds we are also able, via our Advisory team, to track the effect of policy changes in the fishing industry or of ecological crises in the marine environment.Methodology:Principal Investigators can approach the MIT Sea Grant at any time during the funding cycle to request support. The Director can fund up to $10,000 of his/her efforts at his discretion. The PI is required to submit the same a proposal with documentation, evidence of matching funds, letters of support, etc. as those seeking major funding.Rationale:The Development Opportunities Program gives MIT Sea Grant the flexibility to respond to important research and advisory opportunities as they arise. We are able to invest a relatively small amount in some of the more speculative and risky initial research if we feel they have the potential to grow into major research initiatives in the future. We are also able to respond to sudden problems and issues, such as an environmental or weather-related crisis, that affects the marine and coastal communities of the Commonwealth.