FCAT University Research Awards

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT) sponsors university research projects aligned with emerging technologies that will impact finance and financial services over the next 5-10 years. This program provides funding for fundamental and applied research with monthly engagement and potential for project extension.

Overview

• Up to $50,000 USD in direct funding for maximum 6-month projects 
• 15% overhead/F&A rate (inclusive within total award) 
• Partnership with FCAT Incubator teams as needed and applicable 
• Monthly research demonstrations required throughout project
• Renewable through new proposal submissions in subsequent rounds (multi-year proposals not accepted) 
• High-potential projects may be considered for extension based on results and business interest 
• Right to utilize research results for internal business purposes included in Sponsored Research Agreement 

Priority Areas 

• Quantum Computing: Future-state technology research for financial services applications
•  Cybersecurity: Applied research addressing security challenges in finance
• Data Science: Advanced analytics and data-driven solutions for financial technology 
• High Performance Computing: Infrastructure and systems for future financial operations 
• Artificial Intelligence: AI applications impacting financial services and customer experience
• Immersive and Digital Technologies: Future digital interactions and customer engagement platforms 
• Cryptocurrency Mining: Emerging blockchain and digital currency technologies
• Future Economic Models: Research addressing technology impacts on financial markets and services 
• Customer Experience Technologies: Solutions impacting advisors, customers, and industry participants 
• Regulatory and Compliance Technologies: Predictive and applied technology for compliance challenges 

Eligibility & Requirements

• PI must hold full-time academic or research position (full professor, associate professor, assistant professor, researcher, or equivalent) at U.S. university or college 
• PI's institution must be located in the United States 
• Co-investigators permitted if from same institution and meeting same eligibility criteria
• University must complete preclearance process by contacting fcat@fmr.com to verify eligibility
• Maximum two proposals per research theme (total of eight proposals per university)
• Proposals evaluated on: alignment to theme, research uniqueness, significance for business impact, rigor and reproducibility, methodology feasibility, and PI/team expertise
• Must commit to monthly research demonstrations and/or presentations documenting progress 
• Must deliver interactive Proof of Concept (if applicable) and archival demo video at project completion
• Must acknowledge FCAT as research sponsor on publications when requested, with disclaimer: "The research and views expressed in this work are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology, Fidelity Investments, or any affiliates."
• Must adhere to Open-Source Software guidelines (Apache License 2.0 recommended; avoid GNU GPL v3, LGPL v3, AGPL) 
• Proposals must address discrete deliverables within 6-month period only 

Timeline

• March 2026: Application period opens 
• April 27, 2026, 11:59 PM ET: Application deadline via FCAT portal
• May – Early June 2026: Committee scoring and interview requests sent to selected applicants 
• June 2026: Award notification emails sent to selected proposals 
• October 30, 2026: Sponsored Research Agreement must be completed or award will not be granted 

How to Submit:

• Complete preclearance verification by emailing fcat@fmr.com (if not already verified) 
• Prepare 3-page maximum proposal (1-inch margins, 11-point Arial, single-spaced, MS Word format) 
• Use file naming convention: "Research Theme Number and Name-Proposal Short Title-University Name_PI Last Name" 
• Include: Research abstract and goals, project overview and plan with methodology, unique aspects of proposal, estimated duration, key milestones, technical approach, and expected outcomes 
• Attach appendix (not counted in page limit): Budget with direct/indirect costs, CVs of PI/Co-PIs/graduate students, equipment/facilities description if applicable, and additional relevant information
• Submit only through FCAT submission portal by deadline 
• No revisions or supplements accepted after submission deadline 

Please note: Full RFP is attached in the "More Information" section of this page. Faculty and researchers interested in applying for these opportunities based on technologies developed or disclosed at Vanderbilt must submit their proposals through the CTTC.