The number of individuals affected by Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is increasing every year, with an estimated 15 percent to 20 percent of those over the age of 65 at risk of developing it. These individuals have increased problems with memory, problem-solving or spatial ability.

The vision of the Mild Cognitive Impairment Empowerment Program (MCIEP) is to revolutionize the experience of people affected by MCI by creating a comprehensive approach that can be replicated nationally and internationally.

 With the aim of speeding up development, testing and dissemination of evidence-based interventions for MCI, the Innovation Accelerator (IA) core is offering seed grants to support research in the following areas: therapeutic programming, technology, and the built environment. 

The funded projects should result in innovative solutions, strategies or methodologies developed through a culture of collaboration among students, researchers, clinicians, and people with MCI in less than 12 months’ time.

Beginning in the fall of 2019, $150,000 in seed grants will be available each year for the next three years. Proposals can range from semester to year-long research projects and smaller proposals can target funds to convene valuable discussions, gather data, develop methods and metrics or to prototype new designs and technologies.

See the related file to the right for more information on the pre-proposal call and how to apply.

All pre-proposals will be evaluated by a review committee comprised of representatives from all cores of the MCIEP and individuals affected by MCI. Feedback from the committee will be given to all pre-proposals. Those selected for full proposals will be contacted by the end of the day on September 10. 

For additional information or questions regarding the seed grant process email kimberly.seaton@design.gatech.edu 

Looking forward to reading your pre-proposals,

Jennifer DuBose,
MCIEP's Innovation Accelerator Director