The University of Tennessee System is turning bold ideas into action, announcing the recipients of the 2024 Grand Challenges Type 1 Grants.

Grand Challenges are complex, interconnected, large-scale problems creating uncertain futures for Tennesseans. These grants provide seed funding to impact three critical areas: advancing K-12 education, strengthening rural communities and overcoming addiction.

  • A total of 27 Type 1 proposals—which can receive up to $100,000 per project—have been awarded more than $2.6 million in funding
  • 10 grant awards in advancing K-12 education: $987,500
  • 10 grant awards in strengthening rural communities: $965,000
  • 7 grant awards in overcoming addiction: $682,500

“The Grand Challenges Grants embody our commitment to tackling pressing issues facing our state today,” said UT System President Randy Boyd. “The passion, innovation and collaborative spirit demonstrated by our faculty, staff and researchers is truly inspiring. I am excited to see how these projects will make a tangible impact on the lives of Tennesseans and beyond.”

A complete list of Type 1 award recipients and Type 2 advancing proposals can be found here.

Proposals were evaluated across several key categories to ensure the highest potential for transformative impact.

Scoring focused on: the innovative and transformative nature of the ideas; the level of collaboration among team members, campuses and institutes; the anticipated impact of the proposed projects; their long-term sustainability; and the overall quality of the submissions. These criteria were designed to identify and support initiatives that not only address critical issues but also have the potential to create lasting positive change for Tennesseans.

Additionally, nine Type 2 proposals were selected to advance to a second round where they will participate in a pitch competition later this year. Type 2 proposals are eligible for up to $500,000 in funding per project.

This year’s Grand Challenge Grants competition resulted in 110 proposals submitted from teams across all UT campuses and institutes. The proposals were reviewed by a panel of experts, with the top-scoring submissions forwarded to the UT System Executive Leadership Team for final selection.

The Grand Challenge Grants program underscores the UT System’s dedication to driving transformative change through research and partnerships that address critical societal needs. This year’s awarded and advancing projects reflect a strong commitment to these goals.

For more information about the Grand Challenge Grants, visit Grand Challenges.

Information and quotes provided by the UT System