Pitt Seed

Supporting the Plan for Pitt

The success of Pitt’s strategic plan relies on engagement across the University. One of the planned efforts to support the Plan for Pitt is the annual opportunity for faculty and staff stakeholders to submit broad-reaching, scalable ideas for potential implementation through Pitt Seed. Projects selected for follow on funding will support one or more pillars and strategic objectives within the Plan for Pitt.

What should my concept include?

Pitt Seed Projects play an instrumental role in improving how the University advances its mission.  Projects well-suited to secure funding from Pitt Seed will: directly support action items identified in the Plan for Pitt, aim to improve internal systems and operations, prioritize transdisciplinary collaboration or impacts, and be scalable. Typical Pitt Seed projects have imprints that are: broadly focused; scalable; transformative; innovative; and sustainable,  and support the Plan for Pitt.  Applicants are encouraged to submit concepts beyond departmental scope.

Pitt Seed Definitions:

BROAD:  far-reaching concept that widely affects University communities (individuals, departments, schools,). Concepts should think beyond departmental silos. Example: Pony Express>Telegraph>United States Postal Service

SCALABLE: A concept with potential to grow to meet increased demand. Scaling reflects growth potential, identifies success gaps and understands current processes in place. A scalable project can measure non-traditional returns on investment and efficient models. Example: time savings, increased level of service, better data for decision making and reporting.

TRANSFORMATIVE: An idea that causes, or is able to cause, positive changes to processes. Transformative concepts challenge conventional standards and blur disciplinary boundaries. Example: horse drawn vehicle>steam powered car>hybrid electric vehicle

INNOVATIVE: Approaching an existing idea or product from a new perspective and improving its function to differentiate offerings from competitors. Being innovative encourages creativity, risk-taking and collaboration. Example: broom/dustpan>vacuum cleaner>bagless vacuum

SUSTAINABLE: The ability to create long-term strategies that help or support University services to facilitate economic and sustainable growth. Being sustainable requires teams to think beyond Pitt Seed timeframes and funding structures. Example: local action, societal impact, resilience