Sony Research Award Program 2025: Call for Proposals
Sony Group Corporation has officially announced the launch of the
Sony Research Award Program as of July 15, 2025. This initiative aims to solicit innovative research proposals focusing on emerging technologies that align with Sony's vision for the future of entertainment. The program welcomes submissions from various educational and research institutions across the U.S., Canada, 17 European countries, and India.
The primary goal of the program is to support the
Creative Entertainment Vision, which outlines Sony's aspirations for technological advancements over the next decade. By fostering collaboration between academic institutions and its own research teams, Sony hopes to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation in the tech space, enhancing entertainment experiences for users worldwide.
Overview of the Awards
The Sony Research Award Program comprises two main categories, each designed to fund projects based on their focus and scope:
1.
Faculty Innovation Award: This award offers up to
$100,000 USD for a one-year period to principal investigators. It aims to fund diverse research projects that delve into three broad categories pertinent to Sony's interests: Information Technology, Device Technology, and Entertainment. This award is particularly looking for outstanding proposals in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), aiming for innovative applications that can enhance user experience.
2.
Focused Research Award: With a larger grant of up to
$150,000 USD available for one year, this award targets specific research themes that are crucial to Sony’s immediate interests. This year, there will be
11 themes, which predominantly emphasize AI technologies that foster creativity among creators and drive the development of new value in entertainment solutions.
Previous Recipients Share Their Success
In recent years, recipients of the Sony Research Awards have reflected on the transformative impact of these collaborations. For instance,
Professor Laurie Heller from Carnegie Mellon University highlights how his team is leveraging support from Sony to explore machine learning techniques. Their work aims to improve sound interpolation between environmental sounds, which has significant implications for sound design and creative arts. Heller appreciates Sony’s involvement, noting the access to expertise and resources that enrich their research endeavors.
Similarly,
Professor Alan Marshall of the University of Liverpool shared insights into how previous collaborations with Sony have led to groundbreaking research in multi-sensory immersion. These projects have opened up innovative avenues, including exploring the use of olfactory sensations alongside traditional senses in immersive environments—essential for the evolving landscape of the metaverse.
Looking Forward
Sony’s commitment to advancing research and development through partnerships with universities and research institutes is evident. The company recognizes the importance of innovation in its long-term strategy and is keen to accelerate ongoing research initiatives that push technological frontiers.
For more information about the Sony Research Award Program, including submission guidelines and application details, interested parties can visit
Sony's Research Award Program page.
This initiative reinforces Sony's commitment to creativity and innovation in technology, inviting researchers from diverse backgrounds to contribute towards shaping the future of entertainment and digital experiences.