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APPLY FOR A PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
RIC

APPLY FOR A PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

The partnership development program aims to foster collaboration between Prince Sultan University (PSU) and industry partners. The objective is to support projects that lead to impactful solutions addressing real-world challenges through applied research. PSU will contribute up to 50% of the total project cost, allowing industry partners to benefit from university resources while contributing to shared objectives. Projects must have the potential to enhance innovation, technology transfer, and societal impact, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. The program is designed to support projects that reach a high level of industrial readiness and may result in commercialization, patents, or implementation in the partner's operational processes.

01. WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

This program is open to research labs and PSU faculty members in collaboration with industry partners. Both the faculty and the industry partner must demonstrate their capacity to contribute equally to the project’s success, with each party covering 50% of the costs.

02. BEFORE YOU APPLY

Before submitting a proposal, applicants must ensure that the project aligns with the strategic goals of PSU, RIC, and the partner organization. The project's outcome should lead to a scalable solution, product, or service that addresses a specific industry need. Projects must have measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) and clear milestones demonstrating how the partnership will advance industrial innovation and academic knowledge.

03. GENERAL GUIDELINES
  • Submission Deadline: Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis. After submission, the proposals will be reviewed within 4-6 weeks.

  • Budget Limits: PSU will fund up to 50% of the total project cost, with a maximum contribution of 150,000 SAR.

  • PI and Co-PI: The principal investigator (PI) must be a faculty member affiliated with a PSU research lab. Collaboration between PSU and the industry partner must be clearly defined, with distinct roles and contributions for each party.

  • Equipment and Resources: Project funds may be allocated to specialized equipment, software and human resources necessary for the research. Expenses for standard office equipment are not covered.

  • Industry Commitment: The industry partner must provide documented proof of their financial commitment to the project and must agree to co-develop the final product, solution, or service with PSU.

04. EXPECTED OUTCOMES
  • Industrial Prototypes: The project must lead to the development of a prototype, process or product that is ready for implementation or commercialization by the industry partner.

  • Publications and Patents: The partnership should aim for the production of at least one joint patent, in addition to academic papers in high-impact journals relevant to the field.

  • Economic and Societal Impact: The project should result in solutions that drive economic growth, industrial efficiency, or societal benefits aligned with national priorities such as Vision 2030.

05. HOW TO APPLY?
  • Download the Partnership Project Proposal Template from the RIC portal.

  • Complete the Proposal: Fill out all sections of the proposal, ensuring clarity on the project’s goals, methodology, milestones, and expected outcomes. Include detailed financial plans, demonstrating the cost-sharing arrangement.

  • Submit via EasyChair: Proposals must be submitted through the EasyChair platform under the "Partnership Development Projects" track.

  • File Format: Submit all documents in PDF format.

06. THE REVIEW PROCESS

  • Initial Screening: College Research Committee (CRC) will review submissions for eligibility and alignment with the program’s objectives.

  • Detailed Review: RIC executive committee and industry experts will evaluate the proposal based on innovation, feasibility, and potential impact.

  • Decision: The review outcome will fall under one of three categories: Accepted, Revision Required, or Rejected. If revision is required, the applicant will have 15 days to resubmit.

07. SIGNING THE CONTRACT

Once the project is accepted, all parties must sign a Research Contract that outlines the roles and responsibilities of PSU, the researcher(s), and the industry partner. This contract will detail the 50% cost-sharing arrangement, project milestones, and terms for intellectual property ownership. Additionally, the contract will include provisions for profit sharing, ensuring that any revenues generated from the project are distributed equitably among the parties. The contract must be signed by the principal investigator (PI), the industry partner’s representative, and authorized PSU officials.


After signing, the project PI must submit the contract and all required documentation through the Funded PSU Research Projects Information Form to ensure proper tracking and processing by RIC.

08. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Projects will be evaluated in two stages:

  • Mid-term Review: A progress report is due six months into the project.

  • Final Review: Upon completion, the project will be reviewed by PSU and the industry partner for final outcomes. Successful projects may lead to further collaboration.

09. CLOSURE AND FINAL PAYMENTS

Upon successful completion, the project PI must submit a Final Closure Report to the RIC, including all financial details and outcomes. Once all requirements are fulfilled, the final installment for both PSU and industry contributions will be processed.

10. PROFITS GENERATED UTILIZATION

The Research Contract will include provisions for the utilization of project outcomes, whether they result in profits or contribute to policy development. Specific terms will be outlined to ensure transparency, fairness, and alignment with the project's goals.


For any inquiries, please contact: research@psu.edu.sa.

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