NASA MPLAN Program 2026: Funding Opportunity for Minority Serving Institutions
HeroX, a prominent crowdsourcing innovation platform, has unveiled the MPLAN initiative in collaboration with NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP). This two-stage program invites research proposals from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) aligned with NASA’s 2026 focus areas. It aims to provide financial support to help institutions refine ideas, advance research efforts, and build meaningful collaborations.
Torry Johnson, Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s launch, noting that MPLAN continues to expand access to funding, enhance institutional capabilities, and promote direct interaction with NASA specialists. He emphasized the program’s importance in enabling HBCUs, TCUs, and other MSIs to engage more deeply with NASA’s mission, while fostering new partnerships and innovative outcomes.
Program Overview:
MPLAN is structured in two phases. During Phase 1, Principal Investigators from MSIs are required to submit research proposals addressing NASA’s 2026 priority topics by May 29, 2026. Submissions will be evaluated based on their scientific quality, technical feasibility, and relevance to NASA’s objectives. In Phase 2, selected participants will collaborate with NASA Mission Directorate representatives and subject matter experts through a series of engagements, including an initial kickoff session, workshops, and monthly meetings from August to November 2026.
Funding Details:
NASA will grant up to $50,000 for each selected proposal. These funds can be allocated toward staffing, student involvement, professional training, research initiatives, and specialized tools or resources.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must serve as Principal Investigators affiliated with a recognized Minority Serving Institution.
Important Dates:
Torry Johnson, Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s launch, noting that MPLAN continues to expand access to funding, enhance institutional capabilities, and promote direct interaction with NASA specialists. He emphasized the program’s importance in enabling HBCUs, TCUs, and other MSIs to engage more deeply with NASA’s mission, while fostering new partnerships and innovative outcomes.
Program Overview:
MPLAN is structured in two phases. During Phase 1, Principal Investigators from MSIs are required to submit research proposals addressing NASA’s 2026 priority topics by May 29, 2026. Submissions will be evaluated based on their scientific quality, technical feasibility, and relevance to NASA’s objectives. In Phase 2, selected participants will collaborate with NASA Mission Directorate representatives and subject matter experts through a series of engagements, including an initial kickoff session, workshops, and monthly meetings from August to November 2026.
Funding Details:
NASA will grant up to $50,000 for each selected proposal. These funds can be allocated toward staffing, student involvement, professional training, research initiatives, and specialized tools or resources.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must serve as Principal Investigators affiliated with a recognized Minority Serving Institution.
Important Dates:
- Pre-proposal webinar: March 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CT
- Proposal submission deadline: May 29, 2026, at 10:59 p.m. CT
- Announcement of selected proposals: July 2026
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