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NASA and HeroX Launch MPLAN Challenge

In an exciting collaboration between NASA and HeroX, the newly unveiled MPLAN Challenge aims to engage Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in advancing space and aeronautical research. This initiative is designed to empower these institutions, enhancing their capacity to contribute to NASA's ongoing projects while fostering a diverse new generation of STEM professionals.

Overview of MPLAN Challenge

Announced on March 16, 2026, the MPLAN Challenge opens the door for MSIs to propose innovative research ideas that resonate with NASA’s 2026 focus areas. As part of the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP), this two-phase program is built on accessibility and inclusivity, channeling resources to bolster MSIs’ research efforts.

Torry Johnson, the Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA's Office of STEM Engagement, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "MPLAN continues to make funding opportunities more accessible, strengthen institutional capacity, and foster direct engagement with NASA experts." This sentiment underscores the initiative's critical role in connecting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and other MSIs with NASA’s mission and resources.

Challenge Structure

Phase 1: Proposal Submission

Throughout Phase 1, Principal Investigators from designated MSIs are invited to submit their research proposals by May 29, 2026. The submissions must tackle specific NASA topic areas, showcasing scientific merit, feasibility, and anticipated benefits to the agency. Successful proposals will pave the way for further engagement with NASA.

Phase 2: Collaboration with NASA Experts

Once the proposals are evaluated, winners will enter Phase 2, where they’ll collaborate closely with NASA representatives. This phase includes a kickoff meeting, various workshops, and ongoing interactions from August to November 2026, ensuring that participants have access to invaluable expertise.

Funding Opportunities

Winners of the MPLAN Challenge stand to receive financial support of up to $50,000 per selected proposal. This funding can be used for diverse purposes such as staff hiring, student engagement programs, professional development, and necessary research resources. Such investment not only aids in immediate research goals but also ensures long-term growth and sustainability for the participating institutions.

Key Dates to Remember

• - Pre-proposal Webinar: March 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM CT
• - Proposal Submission Deadline: May 29, 2026, at 10:59 PM CT
• - Selection Announcement: July 2026

For detailed information about the challenge, visit HeroX’s MPLAN Challenge page.

About HeroX

HeroX, co-founded in 2013 by Christian Cotichini and futurist Peter Diamandis, serves as a premier platform for crowdsourced solutions. It offers a user-friendly environment where individuals and organizations can come together to tackle everyday challenges through collective innovation. Positioned uniquely as a 'Social Network for Innovation,' HeroX enables users to curate and engage with their own communities to push boundaries in numerous sectors.

As the MPLAN Challenge unfolds, it represents not just an opportunity for participation but a broader commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the rapidly evolving fields of space and aeronautical research. With initiatives like this, the future of NASA’s partnerships with educational institutions looks promising, highlighting the importance of diverse voices in advancing technological and scientific frontiers.