The OASIS Academic Innovation Accelerator program supports innovative, one-year pilot projects that drive progress towards NC State’s institutional academic goals. By aligning with college and unit priorities, the Accelerator serves as a dedicated engine for transforming ambitious academic concepts into sustainable institutional realities.

Selected projects join a cohort that prototypes bold ideas, integrates research and practice, and engages students as active partners in design. 

2026-27 Cohort

Following the success of the inaugural Accelerator cohort in 2025-26, selected projects in 2026-2027 are rooted in design-thinking and user-centricity, data-informed decision-making, and strategic scalability. This year’s cohort consists of:

• The AI Passport: A Guide for Ethical and Responsible AI Skills Training
  • Project lead: Melissa Srougi, Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine; Director of Graduate Programs, Biotechnology Program
• Accelerated Course Innovation Pilot: Designing Flexible Eight-Week Pathways for Student Success
  • Project lead: Cindy Barr, Interim Senior Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Services
• CHASS Curriculum Accelerator: Powering Human-Focused AI
  • Project lead: James Mulholland, Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Transdisciplinary Digital Humanities Collaborative Connecting Across Courses in Service to Community Partners
  • Project lead: Kevin Oliver, Professor, Learning, Design and Technology, Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences, College of Education
• Noncredit Data Inventory, Phase 2: Credential and Completion Reporting Readiness
  • Project lead: Mark Bernhard, Vice Provost for Continuing and Lifelong Education, NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education

Accelerator Project Focus Areas

Projects in the 2026-2027 cohort address the following areas:

• AI-ready programs: Equipping students and stakeholders with the necessary skills to navigate and lead in an increasingly AI-driven workforce.
• Curriculum design/redesign to meet workforce needs: Ensuring academic programs maintain market relevance, giving graduates the skills required to meet evolving workforce demands.
• Stackable non-degree credentials for multiple audiences: New or redesigned academic credentials in various formats that meet the needs of learners.
• Cross-disciplinary programs only NC State can build: Leveraging unique institutional strengths to create academic solutions that address complex challenges and opportunities inaccessible through traditional, siloed approaches.

Why Participate?

• Access to funding for transformative one-year pilot projects; up to $20,000 for new projects and $10,000 for existing Accelerator projects with a clear next step.
• Institutional support and expertise, including curriculum innovation, program design, market research, marketing communications and data analysis, to help align your project with NC State’s academic and strategic priorities.
• Opportunity to innovate locally with institutional impact.
• Designed as a cohort program, receiving ongoing support and project feedback along the way.
• Dedicated project management support, keeping momentum with access to tools and frameworks.

Program Overview

• Request for Proposals (RFPs): Open Aug. 3-Sept. 4.
• RFP review: September 2026
• MOU creation: September 2026
• Cohort kickoff: October 2026
• Research and strategy: October-December 2026
• Design and prototyping: January 2027
• Piloting and validation: February-March 2027
• Completion and launch: March-April 2027
• Showcase: April 2027