NASA M-STAR 2026 for MSI Faculty PIs ($12M Available)
The NASA M-STAR 2026 program offers $12 million in funding specifically for faculty principal investigators (PIs) at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of these institutions to compete for larger research grants in the future, particularly in the context of NASA's Artemis program.
Eligible institutions can apply for cooperative agreements with a minimum award of $1 million, focusing on technology areas critical for lunar and Mars missions. This program is designed to support research that aligns with NASA's strategic priorities, fostering innovation and collaboration within the MSI community.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include two- or four-year U.S. institutions designated as HBCUs, TCUs, or MSIs by the Department of Education. Institutions must be certified at the time of submission. Faculty PIs from large research universities without MSI designation are not eligible to apply.
Benefits
Each cooperative agreement has a minimum award of $1 million, with no cost share required. Funding will support research aligned with NASA's technology priorities.
