University Student Research Challenge (USRC2) | NNH21ZEA001N USRC2

Opportunity Information: Apply for NNH21ZEA001N USRC2

NASA Headquarters is offering the University Student Research Challenge (USRC2) under Amendment 4 of the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA) 2021 umbrella solicitation. This is a discretionary grant opportunity (CFDA 43.002) designed specifically to push university students to pitch fresh, aeronautics-relevant research ideas that connect directly to NASA Aeronautics priorities. The emphasis is on student-driven concepts that are new, practical, and compelling enough to stand out both to technical reviewers and to the broader public.

A central feature of USRC2 is that it combines a traditional research grant with an entrepreneurship-style requirement: selected student teams must raise cost-share funding through a crowdfunding campaign. NASA frames this crowdfunding component as a teaching accelerator because it forces students to translate their technical work into a clear public message, build outreach momentum, and practice skills that resemble real-world technology commercialization and startup fundraising. In other words, the program is not only judging the technical merit of a project idea, but also building student experience in communicating impact, creating public interest, and executing a campaign that demonstrates external support.

The solicitation is open to applicants without restrictions, and it targets students at accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Proposed work should fit within aeronautics-focused research and development, and the agency highlights example directions such as advancing aircraft or aviation system design, developing enabling technologies and capabilities that support aviation, demonstrating a novel concept, or otherwise accelerating aeronautics-related technologies. The program is broadly about innovation in aviation and aeronautics technology, so proposals can align with a wide range of concepts as long as the relevance to NASA Aeronautics is clear and the idea is presented as a meaningful step forward.

From a submission standpoint, the process is intentionally streamlined. Notices of Intent are not required, and the proposal length is limited to three pages, which signals that NASA wants concise, high-signal submissions focused on the core idea, its value, and how the team plans to carry it out. The opportunity is structured around multiple cycles, giving teams more than one window to apply. Cycle 1 proposals were due November 10, 2022, with additional submission opportunities in later cycles: Cycle 2 proposals due February 23, 2023, and Cycle 3 proposals due June 22, 2023. Each cycle also includes an information session and Q&A/proposal workshop to help applicants understand expectations and prepare stronger submissions (October 3, 2022; January 9, 2023; and May 8, 2023, each at 2 pm ET). Attendance is supported through a Microsoft Teams meeting option or by phone using 1-256-715-9946 with Conference ID 176 038 745#.

Administrative details included in the posting identify the funding opportunity number as NNH21ZEA001N-USRC2, the instrument type as a grant, and the activity category as science and technology and other research and development. The listing does not specify an award ceiling or expected number of awards in the provided text, and the opportunity was posted with a creation date of October 5, 2022. The full announcement is hosted through NASA’s NSPIRES system, which is where applicants would typically find official instructions, eligibility specifics, and submission requirements.

• The NASA Headquarters in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "University Student Research Challenge (USRC2)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 43.002.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2022-10-05.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-11-10. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for NNH21ZEA001N USRC2

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