PROPOSAL PIPELINE
Turning ideas into competitive proposals
The CEPDAM Proposal Pipeline is a dynamic platform designed to identify, shape, and advance high-impact funding opportunities. Rather than simply sharing announcements, CEPDAM actively develops proposal concepts, builds interdisciplinary teams, and supports faculty engagement from ideation to submission.
We invite faculty, researchers, and partners to join ongoing efforts and co-develop competitive proposals aligned with national priorities in advanced manufacturing, industrial AI, robotics, and workforce development.
Current Opportunities in Development
Status: Concept Development
Focus: Integrated, intelligent, and connected manufacturing systems
- CEPDAM is developing proposal concepts centered on Manufacturing Systems Integration (MSI), focusing on the seamless integration of machines, processes, data, and human operators across the manufacturing lifecycle
- Key technical directions include:
- Cyber-physical production systems (CPPS)
- Digital twins for end-to-end manufacturing processes
- Interoperability across heterogeneous systems (robots, CNC, sensors, MES)
- AI-driven process optimization and adaptive control
- Human–AI–robot collaboration in production environments
- Emphasis on bridging design → production → operation → workforce training within a unified framework
Ideal for: Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial AI, Robotics, Systems Engineering, Human Factors
Status: Partnership Development
Focus: Aerospace MRO workforce pathways in North Carolina
- Building an inter-institutional consortium (NC A&T + community colleges)
- Designing scalable workforce pathways and scholarship models
- Integrating industry needs with curriculum innovation
Ideal for: STEM education, workforce development, engineering education
Status: Concept Development
Focus: Human–AI interaction, explainable AI, human-centered intelligent systems
- CEPDAM is developing concepts aligned with NSF Human-Centered Computing (HCC), focusing on designing AI-enabled systems that are transparent, adaptive, and aligned with human needs
- Key directions include:
- Human–AI–robot teaming in manufacturing
- Explainable and trustworthy AI for decision support
- Cognitive-aware and adaptive systems
- Human-centered digital twins and interactive environments
Ideal for:
Human Factors, AI, Data Science, Robotics, Systems Engineering
Status: Concept Development
Focus: Expanding access to AI education, infrastructure, and workforce readiness
- CEPDAM is exploring a concept aligned with NSF TechAccess to expand equitable access to AI resources, training, and infrastructure, with a focus on preparing an AI-ready workforce
- Potential directions include:
- AI-enabled training platforms for advanced manufacturing and robotics
- Integration of digital twins and immersive learning environments
- Scalable models for AI workforce development across institutions
- Access to shared AI infrastructure, tools, and data ecosystems
Ideal for: AI, Data Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Education, Workforce Development
How to Get Involved
We encourage faculty to engage at any stage of the proposal lifecycle:
- Join an existing concept
- Contribute expertise to strengthen a proposal
- Suggest new funding opportunities or ideas
- Participate in team discussions and proposal development
What CEPDAM Provides
- Strategic identification of funding opportunities
- Concept development and positioning
- Team formation across colleges and disciplines
- Proposal coordination and development support
- Connection to industry and external partners
Why This Matters
CEPDAM serves as a platform for opportunity creation, not just resource sharing.
Through the Proposal Pipeline, we aim to:
- Increase competitiveness for large-scale funding
- Enable interdisciplinary collaboration
- Align research with national and industry priorities
- Create pathways from ideas to funded projects
Call to Action
Have an idea? Want to collaborate?
Join the CEPDAM Proposal Pipeline and help shape the next generation of high-impact research and innovation.
Contact: csnam@ncat.edu
