Funded Projects

JCATI funds one-year applied research partnerships between Washington's public universities and the state's aerospace and advanced manufacturing companies. Explore this year's projects, last year's results and the projects funded in recent years.

Jump to: How JCATI works · FY2027 projects · FY2026 results · Funded projects by year

How JCATI works

Step 1

Partner

A faculty member at a Washington public university teams up with an aerospace or advanced manufacturing company around a promising technology.

Step 2

Compete

Proposals go through a competitive annual review, and the JCATI Board selects the strongest projects for funding.

Step 3

Advance

Over one year, from July 1 to June 30, faculty and students work with the company to move the technology closer to commercial use.

223 projects, $19.3 million invested and more than $40 million in follow-on funding since 2013. See JCATI's program impact →

FY2027: Projects underway

In progress, July 2026 – June 2027

14

Projects funded

12 research projects and 2 student capstones

$1.43M

In JCATI project grants

15

Industry partners

On the 12 research projects

$1.31M

In pledged industry in-kind support

About 92 cents for every JCATI dollar

5 of 5

Consortium universities

UW 8 · WSU 3 · WWU 1 · capstones at CWU and EWU

8

Washington counties

Home to FY2027 industry partners

FY2027 project areas

Composites manufacturing and recycling4

 

Space propulsion2

 

In-space satellite servicing1

 

Metal additive manufacturing1

 

Non-destructive inspection and imaging1

 

Drone guidance and navigation1

 

Sustainable aviation fuel1

 

Recycled materials for aircraft interiors1

 
Map of Washington counties where FY2027 JCATI industry partners are located: King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Whitman, Benton, Walla Walla and Klickitat

FY2026: Results

Completed, July 2025 – June 2026

9

Projects funded

7 research projects and 2 student capstones

$846,764

In JCATI project grants

9

Industry partners

4 small, 2 mid-size and 3 large companies, all based in Washington

69

Students supported

More than half at WWU, CWU and EWU

$368,916

In industry in-kind support delivered

Equal to 44% of the JCATI investment

$1.26M

In new follow-on funding

1.49 times the JCATI investment

+1.3

Average technology readiness gain

Across the 7 research projects

Map of Washington counties where FY2026 JCATI industry partners are located: King, Snohomish, Pierce and Clark

FY2026 highlights

  • A sensor system developed on an FY2026 project is now built into the industry partner's production vehicle.
  • An automated finishing system developed with a Washington manufacturer is now in production.
  • A Washington startup partner hired a UW graduate from its project team.
  • All four students on one project advanced to their next career stage, including doctoral progress, an internship or job offer, and a master's admission.
  • Students on space-sector projects are building cryogenic fluids and materials expertise sought by Washington's growing space industry.
  • FY2026 work has already led to new proposals to DARPA, NASA and federal SBIR/STTR programs.

Funded projects by year

Lead investigators and industry partners for each funded project. Select a year to expand the list.

FY2027 funded projects
FY2026 funded projects
FY2025 funded projects