IBM-IL Discovery Accelerator Institute (IIDAI) URE

The IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute (IIDAI) is a new model of academic-industry partnership designed to increase access to technology education and skill development to spur breakthroughs in emerging areas of technology to accelerate the discovery of solutions to complex global challenges. Its goal is to enhance the STEM pipeline to graduate school and industry by offering undergraduate students, especially from underrepresented groups in STEM, the opportunity to do research through the Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) Program. Successful applicants will participate in one of the 11 research projects connected to the institute’s thrust areas:

Hybrid Cloud and AI

Technological innovations in hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence to expand the potential of edge computing and cloud security capabilities across public and private clouds

Materials Discovery

Advancing quantum computing as an industry, including a multi-node quantum testbed to explore and implement new ideas for distributed quantum processing and quantum networks.

Quantum Computing

Materials discovery driven by AI and computation to unlock accessible and transformative solutions to global challenges and investigate potential new materials.

Sustainability

Sustainability-focused innovation and discovery to address grand climate challenges through carbon accounting, capture and utilization.

Click here for URE Project Information

Application (2024 - 2025)

TO APPLY, please complete the online application form and submit the following on the form:

  • Statement of Interest (minimum of 300 words; maximum of 800 words)
  • Unofficial Transcript
  • Resume

Women, first-generation students, and members of underrepresented minority groups are encouraged to apply.

Selected applicants will receive $1000/year scholarship, participate in the Illinois Scholars Undergraduate Research (ISUR) Program activities, and take the required ENG 199 UGR/ISR class in Fall 2024.

Application Deadline: March 21, 2024 at 11:59PM CST

For inquiries, please email IIDAI URE coordinator, Bryana Rivera at bmr2@illinois.edu