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. Check our website in February 2027 for the announcement of our eighth round of 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) – fit for publishing on the website
  • 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:

Will be posted in February 2027.

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