# DoW Awards $150M University Research

On October 30, 2026, the Department of War selected 20 university teams for $150 million in FY 2026 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative awards, averaging approximately $7.5 million per team over five years. Funding is subject to research progress and available appropriations, and the selections are complete. For contractors, the awards point to potential opportunities in research collaboration, technology transition, and related supply chains supporting defense-relevant basic research, including quantum photonics and materials for hypersonic environments.

- **Why this matters:** The awards direct substantial federal funding toward university-led research, creating potential roles for companies that can contribute specialized capabilities, equipment, or pathways to transition results into defense applications.
- Companies can evaluate collaboration and supply-chain opportunities aligned with the selected research areas; the awards are not open solicitations for the selected funding.
- The February 4, 2027 Defense R&D Summit is scheduled to cover related priorities, including quantum computing, trusted AI, autonomy, advanced space technologies, and 5G.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of War (DoW)
- Army Research Office (ARO)
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)
- Office of Naval Research (ONR)

### Vendors
- University of Michigan (awardee)
- University of Colorado Boulder (awardee)
- Purdue University (awardee)
- University of Arizona (awardee)
- Northwestern University (awardee)

### Key Quotes
> By deploying a mix of perspectives and approaches, MURI projects foster the kind of bold, cross-cutting research that can spark breakthroughs.
> — Jason Day, Research Policy Director

### Sources
- [DOW Picks 20 University Teams for $150M MURI Awards](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/dow-150m-muri-awards-20-university-research-teams) - ExecutiveGov