Fully Funded Scholarship at Harvard University

The Global Empowerment Meeting (GEM) Incubation Fund, hosted by the Harvard Center for International Development (CID), provides early-stage seed funding to support innovative research addressing pressing challenges in developing economies. Each year, funding aligns with the theme of CID’s annual Global Empowerment Meeting (GEM)—encouraging evidence-based, action-focused innovations that blend scholarship with real-world impact.

2025 Funding Round: Focus on AI for Inclusive Change

The theme for GEM 2025 is “Catalyzing AI for Inclusive Change”, which explores how AI can transform—or hinder—economic development and sustainability in emerging economies.

This year’s fund particularly encourages research that was sparked in GEM incubation sessions, but all relevant AI and development research proposals are welcome—especially those focusing on:

• Agriculture
• Education
• Health
• Air Quality
• Firm Productivity
• Governance

Proposals for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are especially encouraged, supported by a grant from the World Bank South Asia Digital team. Additionally, a portion of funds is reserved for Harvard faculty working at the AI–gender equity–development nexus, supported by a gift from Christina Bai-Chen.

Funding Details & Eligibility

• Grant Size: Around $20,000 (smaller, value-driven proposals may be more competitive).
• Uses: Early-stage research (background studies, partnerships, field visits, materials, data, RA cost). Not for tuition, stipends, or faculty salaries. Indirect costs capped at 20%.
• Duration: 6–12 months project timelines recommended.

Eligibility:

• Faculty with PI rights at their university
• Preference for those who attended GEM or those partnering with practitioners
• One proposal per PI per round, ready to begin work immediately

Application Timeline & Materials

• RFP Opens: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
• Deadline: Friday, September 19, 2025
• Decisions Announced: October 2025

Required Documents:

• PI and Co-PI CV (2-page PDF)
• Project summary, motivation & academic impact
• Methodology, timeline, viability, and risk assessment
• Budget with narrative (template provided)
• Letter of support from home institution (for external applicants)
• Optional letters from policy or field partners

Post-Award Requirements:
Grantees must submit a 750–1,000 word reflection with photos (for CID Voices blog), a final technical and financial report, and participate in a CID event, such as a seminar or speaker series.

Why Apply?

• Work directly at the intersection of AI and development in emerging economies
• Access competitive seed funding to prototype impactful ideas
• Gain visibility through CID’s platforms and scholarly-practitioner networks
• Align with a prestigious annual research agenda shaped by GEM