The FIIB Research Grant Competition (RGC) is a funding-driven, shark tank-style initiative under FRC 2026 that encourages researchers to pitch bold, impactful, and future-oriented research ideas at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, governance, and society. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit of inquiry, experimentation, and problem-solving, the competition is designed to support research projects that move beyond abstract discussion toward meaningful academic and societal contribution.
RGC provides a platform for researchers to develop and present ideas that address pressing organizational, ethical, and policy challenges emerging in an increasingly AI-driven world. The competition seeks proposals that not only advance scholarly understanding, but also generate actionable insights for industry, institutions, and society at large.
By supporting research with both intellectual depth and practical relevance, RGC aims to bridge the gap between academia and practice while encouraging new forms of responsible and socially responsive scholarship.
Objectives
- Promote interdisciplinary research on the ethical, legal, social, and governance challenges emerging from AI adoption across industries and institutions.
- Encourage industry-academia collaboration to develop practical, scalable, and responsible AI governance frameworks.
- Support research that informs policy and regulation through evidence-based recommendations on ethical AI standards, data governance, transparency, compliance, and risk management.
Research Themes
Business, Strategy &
Innovation
- Business Model Innovation in the Age of Intelligent Systems
- AI-Driven Competitive Advantage and Sustainable Value Creation
Human Decision-
Making & Ethics
- Managerial Trust and Decision-Making in Human-AI Collaboration
- Ethical Framing, Nudging, and Behavioral Design in AI-Driven Platforms
Sustainability &
Responsible
Governance
- AI, ESG Integration, and Responsible Value Reporting
- Inclusive Innovation, Digital Inequality, and AI for Social Impact
Who Should Participate?
Researchers & Research
Practitioners
Doctoral Scholars
Academicians
Industry Practitioners
Submission Guidelines
- Project proposals may be submitted individually or in groups of up to 4 members.
- Teams are encouraged to include interdisciplinary perspectives.
- A letter of endorsement from industry/business organizations is preferred, though not mandatory.
Registration Fees
Inclusive of all team members
Why Participate?
- Present your research to an interdisciplinary audience
- Engage with industry leaders, researchers, and policy experts
- Contribute to conversations shaping responsible AI governance
- Explore collaborative opportunities across academia and industry
- Develop research with practical and societal relevance
