Accelerating Collaborative Research + Innovation
What Is the Matching Grant Research Program (MGRP)?
Industry Partners
Gain access to specialized faculty expertise and advanced research capabilities while cultivating a future workforce pipeline.
University Faculty
Benefit from expanded research impact, industry engagement, and real-world problem alignment. Faculty serve as Principal Investigators.
Students
Receive hands-on experience in applied research tied directly to industry challenges and often transition into full-time roles with the industry partner.
How the Program works
Who Applies
University faculty serve as Principal Investigator and submit the proposal in partnership with the eligible industry partner.
Eligibility
Industry partners must have a presence in the Corridor’s 23-county region and commit to a mutually beneficial research collaboration with UCF or USF.
Funding Amount
Up to $150,000 per project matching the industry partner’s direct investment. Corridor funds go to the university research team.
Student Engagement
All projects must include graduate or undergraduate student participation – gaining real-world industry experience.
Four Steps to a Funded Project
Connect
Identify a shared research opportunity. Program Directors can facilitate introductions.
Develop
Collaborate on a project plan, scope, and MGRP proposal budget.
Review
Proposals reviewed by Program Staff and a committee of regional professionals.
Execute
A sponsored research agreement is executed. Research begins with students involved.
Eligibility + Requirements
✓ You Qualify If…
✓Your company has a presence in the 23-county Corridor region
✓Your work aligns with faculty areas of expertise and interest
✓You are prepared to co-invest directly in collaborative research with USF or UCF faculty
✓You are willing to engage with graduate or undergraduate students during the project
Planning an SBIR/STTR proposal? MGRP can be a powerful complement to federally-supported University research collaborations
Learn about federal non-dilutive funding opportunities and how the Corridor can help →
30 Years of Real Results
Learn about the Corridor’s Impact. As The Corridor celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, our team is dedicated to uniting bright minds, visionary institutions and entrepreneurial energy to build a more resilient, prosperous and connected future for all of Florida. Check out our 2025 Impact Report →