Incubator program

Elevate AI

Our incubator program, Elevate AI, aims to equip faculty, staff, local entrepreneurs, community members, and other regional partners with the skills, resources, and support needed to turn their ideas into successful AI-driven solutions. Elevate AI incubator awards are donor-funded with some supplemental support from the Provost’s Innovation Funds.

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Elevate AI

Program objectives

The incubator program empowers participants to develop and deploy AI technologies to address regional challenges by providing a supportive environment that nurtures talent and fosters collaboration. The program is designed to support individuals and teams at various stages of their AI journey, from ideation to implementation. Currently, the AI Incubator program offers funding to three proposal types: Subscription Only, Full Project, and Teaching with AI.

‍AI Incubator Program Objectives:

  • ‍Empowering Innovators: Equipping participants with the resources needed to create innovative AI applications and classroom uses.
  • ‍Regional Impact: Applying AI solutions locally for a positive impact in our region.
  • Encouraging Collaboration: Facilitating partnerships between academia, industry, entrepreneurs, and other local partners.
  • Promoting Implementation: Assisting participants in bringing their ideas to market and/or implementation within an organization.
  • Fostering Diversity: Encouraging participation from underrepresented groups in AI.

Proposal types

For the 2024-2025 Incubator Program, we are accepting three proposal types:

Full Project Proposal

Offers funding and resources for AI development projects addressing community challenges. Eligible teams receive up to $6,000, with applications due February 21 and March 28.

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Subscription Only

Offers FLC faculty and staff up to $300 for AI tool subscriptions or API credits to support initial exploration. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.

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Teaching with AI

Supports FLC faculty in integrating AI into courses. Participants collaborate with the Center for Teaching and Learning. Deadlines: April 1, 2025 (Summer), July 1, 2025 (Fall).

Learn More

Submit your proposal

The application process involves several steps:

‍Initial Application: Interested individuals and teams submit an initial application via this Typeform.
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‍Review and Selection: A selection committee reviews the applications based on the program's evaluation criteria.

‍Virtual Interviews (full project proposals only): Candidates/teams are invited for 30-minute Zoom or MS Teams interviews to discuss their projects in more detail and address questions from the selection committee.

‍Final Selection: Successful candidates are notified of their acceptance into the program and provided with further instructions on how to get started.

Elevate AI recipients

"Local First is thrilled to receive funding through the Elevate AI program at Fort Lewis College. This support will help us improve the production of the Be Local Coupon Book and develop an app to offer digital coupons, making it easier for local residents to access and support our locally owned businesses. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with FLC on this project to share our mutual learning on how to effectively use AI in practical ways. This is a huge step toward fostering a more connected, resilient local economy."
Doug McCarthy
CEO, Local First
"We’re excited to receive Elevate AI funding! AI-driven insights and new tools will help us enhance FLC’s storytelling, empower our campus partners, and explore where human creativity remains essential to our craft in this changing landscape."
Lizzie Kost
Website Content Writer, FLC Marketing & Communications
"This funding enables us to build a structured framework for integrating AI across InnerFrame’s products and operations. Our focus is on creating a scalable AI system that enhances personalization, efficiency, and long-term adaptability while contributing to the broader AI community through research and knowledge-sharing."
Erica Hines
Founder & CEO, Frameways Inc
“The funding I have received will be put to use by making sure that AI is being used as a tool to help with productivity, efficiency, and support. It is my goal to create a system that helps local, small businesses with their marketing efforts. This is a part of business that is often overlooked or ignored because it takes time, manpower, and money, all things that a small business may not have in abundance. Local news is essential for the strength, camaraderie, and overall engagement of communities across the country. I think it is our responsibility as Local NEWS Network, to help promote, support, and encourage local businesses and non-profits so they can continue to do the same for our community!"
Steven Sigillito
Client Success Manager, Local NEWS Network
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