2026-27 MHACH Call for Proposals Applications MAD [...] The new phase of the collaboration between the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) begins in April 2026 and builds on the successful cooperation launched in 2022. The collaboration known as Designing for Sustainability is now the MIT and HPI AI and Creativity Hub (MHACH). This second phase is planned to run for ten years until 2035. It expands collaborative research to include educational activities that explore the intersection of computing, creativity and human-centered innovation, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and creativity. [...] In the program year 2026-27, the collaborating institutions invite proposals for joint research in design, technology, AI and creativity. The program year runs from September 2026 to August 2027. The collaboration seeks to engage multidisciplinary research teams with diverse backgrounds in computer science, AI, engineering, planning, architecture, science, digital health, humanities, and management; proposals are encouraged from all academic units at both MIT and HPI. [...] We also invite joint proposals for engagement seed funding around topics that explore the intersection of computing, creativity and human-centered innovation, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and creativity. [...] 2026-27 Timeline [...] CALL FOR APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN [...] APPLICATION DEADLINE June 3, 2026 [...] DECISIONS June 30, 2026 [...] Funding and guidelines [...] In addition to the Joint Research Project funding, MHACH offers Engagement Seed Funding for MIT and HPI Principal Investigators who have identified a potential collaborator at the partner institution and would like to further explore the project topics before submitting a full application. [...] Principal investigators must be tenured and tenure-track professors at MIT and HPI, authorized to supervise PhD students, and meet NSF eligibility requirements. Please review the infosheet for detailed guidelines on eligibility and program tracks. [...] Joint Research Projects [...] • 2026 Call for Joint Research Project Proposals & Application Guidelines PDF, including 2026 Application Cover Sheet • 2026 Pre-proposal Questionnaire (MIT PIs only) PDF • 2026 Research Project Proposal Template Document • 2026 Budget Template for PIs Spreadsheet [...] Engagement Seed Funding [...] • 2026 Call for Engagement Seed Funding Proposals & Application Guidelines PDF, including 2026 Proposal Form [...] The program focuses on community building, research and knowledge exchange, and the creation of joint research outcomes. [...] Selection Criteria [...] Funding decisions favor projects that set new research priorities for this emergent knowledge domain. The collaboration plan must demonstrate scientific depth and mechanisms to sustain the proposed innovation. Selection is also based on scientific merit, methodology, rigor and evidence of feasible plans for an active collaboration. [...] We seek proposals positioned to yield insights into AI applications across disciplines, industries and societal challenges that have visibility and the potential to make a significant impact. The protocols that researchers might apply to achieve “insights” versus “data” will be appraised by the selection committee for viability.