Academic Innovation Fund Overview

The Academic Innovation Fund (AIF) invests in the development of innovative academic offerings that position Kansas State University as the first-choice education and workforce partner in Kansas and beyond.

The AIF supports the development of innovative academic offerings that respond to workforce needs, expand educational access, and strengthen Kansas State University's impact across Kansas and beyond. Eligible projects include noncredit microcredentials, master's degree programs, and interdisciplinary academic programs, including undergraduate degree programs, graduate degree programs, Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs, and Reduced Credit Bachelor's Degree (RCBD) programs. Funding helps faculty and academic units transform promising ideas into sustainable academic offerings through market research, curriculum development, instructional design, assessment development, employer engagement, and other activities necessary for successful launch.

The AIF supports new program development. It is not intended to fund programs that have already been fully developed.

Funding Priorities

Priority is given to proposals that:

  • Address documented workforce, employer, industry, or learner needs.
  • Advance the Next-Gen K-State strategic priorities and the K-State Opportunity Agenda.
  • Demonstrate strong potential for long-term financial sustainability.
  • Include documented partnerships with business, industry, government, or community organizations.
  • Introduce innovative approaches to curriculum, teaching, delivery, or learner engagement.
  • Expand K-State's impact through new audiences or emerging workforce opportunities.
  • Foster interdisciplinary or cross-college collaboration where appropriate.

Funding Levels

  • Noncredit Microcredentials: $5,000 per award
  • New Academic Programs: $3,500 per credit hour for new courses being developed for programs

Additional marketing support will be coordinated through the university's marketing process after projects are approved.

Allowable Use of Funds

Academic Innovation Fund awards may be used for activities that directly support development of the proposed project, including:

  • Faculty course release
  • Faculty add-pay
  • Course development
  • Subject matter expert work
  • Development of instructional materials

Expenses That Cannot Be Funded

Academic Innovation Funds may not be used for:

  • Equipment
  • Books or supplies
  • One-time technology purchases
  • Permanent personnel salaries
  • Graduate assistant wages
  • Food or catering
  • Travel
  • Projects that do not align with approved university instructional platforms
  • Projects that have already completed development

Application Process

Step 1 – Develop Your Idea

Faculty and staff interested in applying must discuss their concept with their assigned Center for Academic Innovation Program Administrator. Program Administrators can answer questions about eligibility, proposal development, and the application process.

Step 2 – Submit an Executive Summary

 Applicants submit an Executive Summary proposal that describes the proposed microcredential or program, anticipated workforce need, strategic alignment, and development plan by October 1, 2026. Required departmental and college approvals must be obtained before submission.

Step 3 – Executive Review

 The Academic Innovation Fund Review Team evaluates Executive Summary proposals and selects projects that will move forward to the full proposal stage.

Step 4 – Proposal Development

 Applicants selected to continue will work with the Program Administrators and the Market Intelligence and Analysis team to strengthen their proposal through market research and project planning.

Step 5 – Submit the Full Proposal

 Applicants submit a complete proposal that includes market research findings, project plan, budget, sustainability strategy, and other required documentation.

Step 6 – Funding Decisions

The Review Team forwards funding recommendations to the President and Provost for final approval.

Step 7 – Project Development

 If approved, applicants complete funding agreements for project, receive funding, and begin development of the approved project with support from the Center for Academic Innovation. AIF funding approval is separate from university academic and curricular approval. All applicable university approval processes must be complete prior to implementation.

Presentation

An Academic Innovation Fund informational webinar will be held on September 8, 2026 at 10 am. Please register to attend. The recording will be saved and posted to the website afterwards.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are evaluated using published rubrics based on the following criteria:

  • Alignment with the Next-Gen K-State Strategic Plan and the K-State Opportunity Agenda
  • Workforce and learner demand
  • Industry or community partnerships
  • Innovation and academic excellence
  • Financial sustainability
  • Institutional impact
  • Feasibility of implementation
  • Overall quality of the proposal

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Resources

 

Past Awardees


Questions?

Faculty interested in developing a proposal are encouraged to contact the Center for Academic Innovation at academicinnovation@ksu.edu to be connected with their assigned Program Administrator.