The Sony Research Award Program 2026 is now accepting research proposals from university faculty members and researchers.
The program is offering the opportunity to secure up to $150,000 USD for cutting-edge research projects. Interested Researchers can submit their proposals by September 15, 2026.
Eligibility
Principal Investigator (PI) must be a full-time faculty member or researcher. He must be eligible to supervise PhD students.
Further, the investigator must hold a position such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, or equivalent researcher in a recognized Institution.
Co-Principal Investigators are permitted if they belong to the same institution and satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Major Research Areas Supported
Sony is inviting proposals across a wide range of emerging technologies.
Some of the priority research areas include:
- Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Computer Vision
- Machine Learning
- Robotics
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Affective Computing
- Speech and Language Technologies
- Audio and Spatial Audio
- RF Sensing
- Wireless Communications and Wi-Fi
- Linux Security
- Cybersecurity
- Sports Technology
- Digital Humans
- Generative AI
- Content Creation Technologies
- Neural Rendering
- MicroLED Devices
- Optical Metasurfaces
- Device Technologies
Proposal Requirements
Applicants must prepare:
- Research proposal (maximum 11 pages, including budget summary)
- PDF format under 16 MB
- Separate Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the PI
- Title, abstract, methodology, milestones, references
- One selected keyword or focused research theme
- Budget summary
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | July 15, 2026 |
| Proposal Deadline | September 15, 2026 (11:59 PM PDT) |
| Deadline for India | September 16, 2026 (12:29 PM IST) |
| Award Notifications | Around March 2027 |
Official Notification: https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/research-award-program/#SubmissionGuidelines