Call for Proposals 2026

Zimin Institute for Engineering Solutions Advancing Better Lives

The Zimin Institute at Tel Aviv University (ZI-TAU) supports translational and applied research with the potential to create measurable real-world impact. It operates through the generous donation of the Zimin Foundation. Since 2018, ZI-TAU has supported over 30 projects, creating real-world impact through the creation of new ventures and other means. We are now announcing the seventh round of the call for proposals.

Scope of Research:

Proposals are invited from all TAU faculties for research aligned with the theme of Engineering Solutions Advancing Better Lives.

  • Priority areas:
    • Healthcare & Medical Technologies
    • Human Longevity & Preventive Medicine
    • Brain Science & Neuro-technologies
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Additional engineering-driven domains that improve human well-being

ZI-TAU prioritizes projects with evidence-based research foundations and a realistic path to creating real-world impact within approximately three years where real-world impact could be, for example, the creation of a new venture (start-up company) or a technology transfer to an existing company.

 

 

Proposal Format (Required Sections):

  • Title
  • PI name, affiliation and e-mail address
  • Co-PIs
  • Abstract (≤250 words)
  • Project description (≤4 pages)
    • This section should include a description of the challenge being addressed, an explanation of existing findings and their limitations, the innovative aspects of the proposed solution, and preliminary results
  • Path to real-world impact (≤1 page)
    • This section should include anticipated, measurable real-world impact, along with a roadmap toward achieving it, including timeline, key milestones and/or KPIs, risks and their mitigation.
  • CVs of PI and Co-PIs (≤2 pages each)
    • The CV should include both academic achievements and experience in applied research and creating tangible, real-world outcomes.
  • Budget and resources required

This section should include details about specific assistance requested from ZI-TAU such as connections to experts or companies, as well as budget requests with justification.

  • References (≤1 page)

Eligibility

  • TAU active faculty members (all tenure-track levels) may serve as PIs.
  • Projects must be new or sufficiently distinct from previously funded work.
  • Only one submission as a PI and one submission as a Co-PI are allowed.

 

 

Selection Criteria

  • Impact potential within approximately three years – please pay thought to the path to the real–world impact section in the proposal.
  • Quality of scientific results
  • Innovation and feasibility
  • Clear roadmap and budget
  • Priority will be given to projects that combine engineering with other disciplines, and in general to projects of an interdisciplinary nature

Funding & Reporting

  • Funding up to $100,000 will be provided for one year
  • Access to and support from experts through ZI-TAU and the Zimin Foundation
  • Support in publicity for the project in public media
  • ZI-TAU scholars, that is, awardees of previous rounds of the ZI-TAU grant, who have generated real-world impact in their previous projects, can apply for extended funding of up to $125,000. The extended funding is provided through the generous donation of the Milner family.
  • Progress reports and check-in sessions are required.

Submission

Submit your application at the following URL: https://forms.office.com/r/4pdP0EhMJP

Deadline for submission:

February 1st  2026

For further information please contact: zimin@tauex.tau.ac.il