The U.S. National Science Foundation announced a $47 million investment over five years, along with financial commitments from nearly three dozen universities and private industry, to launch a pilot of a new four‑year Ph.D. model that will give more than 250 doctoral students hands‑on experience in industry research and development.

Designed as a scalable model, the pilot creates a foundation for broader participation and can expand as additional partners invest in and shape the program. It addresses a growing mismatch in American doctoral education: among STEM Ph.D. graduates, more than 65% pursue careers outside academia, yet most programs remain structured for academic roles.

By integrating industry experience into dissertation work and co‑advising by academic and industry mentors, the UIDP Industry‑Integrated Ph.D. Scholars Program (UIDP I‑PhD) aligns graduate training with industry needs, modernizes the workforce, and builds a competitive, high‑skilled talent pool.

The initial cohort will enter graduate school in Fall 2026, with larger groups following as partner readiness and program capacity grow.