Key dates for each cycle

• Phase I submissions accepted (rolling) from July 15 - January 14
• Phase II submissions accepted after phase I approval and no later than May 31

Key links

RFP guide

Catalyst Scholars Fund - Request for Proposals

Phase 1 submission link

Link to Phase 1 submission form

Phase 2 submission link

Link to Phase 2 submission form

The Two Phases of a Catalyst Scholars Fund Proposal

The Catalyst Scholars Fund proposal process is divided into two phases to protect candidate confidentiality and streamline the final approval process.

Phase I

Phase I outlines a university’s plan to build expertise in a specific grand challenge technology area through faculty recruitment.

• Phase I is an anonymous recruit profile + concept proposal to validate desired expertise fit with the Technology Grand Challenge areas (GCs) and CSF goals.
• Phase I is a way to introduce the intended hire type (cluster hire vs. eminent scholar) and strategic rationale.
• Phase I is the prerequisite step used to optimize the Phase II approval process.
• Phase I is not a full candidate package with complete hiring materials.
• Phase I is not a commitment to fund or select a finalist.
• Phase I is not the place to submit confidential candidate details unless explicitly requested in the RFP.

Phase II

Phase II ensures the recruited candidate aligns to the strategic focus outlined in Phase I.

• Phase II is a **candidate nomination for Phase I-approved proposals from an institution that successfully recruited a CSF-aligned faculty member.
• Phase II is the step where reviewers assess a specific candidate(s) profile, detailed budgets/matching mechanics, and readiness to proceed to agreements.
• Phase II is the prerequisite to a fund award agreement.

Proposal Preparation and Submission in a Brief

• Prepare the required documents according to the instructions and templates provided in the RFP / Call for Proposals.

  Required attachments checklist. Always follow the RFP for the authoritative list. Use this checklist to avoid missing common requirements:

  • [ ] Proposal narrative (Phase I) or candidate nomination packet (Phase II)
  • [ ] Budget and matching plan (Phase I and II)
  • [ ] Facilities and infrastructure plan (if applicable)
  • [ ] Industry stakeholder letter of support (required for Phase I and Phase II)
  • [ ] CV(s) (Phase II only)

• Submit proposal via the phase-specific submission links:

  • CSF Phase I Profile Proposal Submission
  • CSF Phase II Candidate Nomination Submission

Full Request for Proposals Table of Contents