Bridging Neuroscience and AI to Transform Brainwaves into Real-Time Multilingual Speech for the Voiceless – This project will explore the development of a non-invasive brain-computer interface system that translates brain signals into multilingual text and speech using advanced electroencephalography (EEG) processing, machine learning, natural language processing (NLP) and neural text-to-speech (TTS) technologies. It aims to empower individuals with speech impairments through accessible and inclusive communication tools to act as a voice of individuals who are speechless.
Clean City Connect – This project seeks to create a mobile app enabling citizens to report unmanaged waste using global positioning system- (GPS-) tagged photos, fostering real-time communication with municipal authorities. It is designed to promote civic engagement, enhance transparency, and support cleaner urban environments. Real-time updates and data analytics will help monitor issues, streamline municipal responses, and improve overall public health through timely waste management solutions.
Jal-Suraksha: Real-time Smart AI and IoT-based Water Guardian for Industrial Zones – This project develops a real-time, AI-powered, Internet of Things- (IoT-) based water-quality monitoring system aimed at detecting pollutants and pollution levels in the Haldia industrial region. The work will enable data-driven decisions, early alerts, and sustainable water-quality management through cloud integration and community awareness. Results will include suggestions of remedial actions and promote environmental safety and public health using emerging smart-sensing technologies.
Seamless Integration of Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks for Next-Generation 5G/6G Connectivity – This project explores the seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) to enhance global 5G/6G connectivity. It focuses on hybrid network architectures, satellite-terrestrial interoperability, and advanced communication protocols to ensure reliable, low-latency, and high-speed data transmission for diverse applications, including IoT, autonomous systems, and remote connectivity.
IEEE CS selected these programs from many strong submissions, because they exemplify the spirit of the Emerging Tech Grants Program with their thoughtful approaches to growing technology knowledge and application for the betterment of humanity. Awarding just over USD $200,000 in Emerging Tech Grants this year, the IEEE CS community seeks to advance computing worldwide through this and other technology-focused initiatives.
“As the leading global membership organization for the advancement of computing, it’s part of our mission to enable broader access to the technologies that are shaping the field and encourage their positive impact on the world at large,” said Hironori Washizaki, IEEE CS 2025 President. “Through the Emerging Tech Grants Program we are able to work with our community on a grassroots level to activate broader exploration of emerging topics ranging from VR to support those with disabilities to earlier detection of coronary artery disease to AI for healthcare, agriculture, and beyond. We look forward to seeing the results of this latest round of programs and how their discoveries will further benefit humanity.”
Projects selected for the 2025-2026 Emerging Tech Grants Program will launch in Q3/Q4 2025 and will be completed by 31 December 2026. Project leads will report the progress and results back to IEEE CS over the coming year. Subsequent information about each program’s impact may be shared in future IEEE CS Tech News blogs.
For more information about the Emerging Tech Grants Program, visit https://www.computer.org/communities/emerging-technology-fund.
About IEEE Computer Society
Engaging computer engineers, scientists, academia, and industry professionals from all areas and levels of computing, the IEEE Computer Society (CS) serves as the world’s largest and most established professional organization of its type. IEEE CS sets the standard for the education and engagement that fuels continued global technological advancement. Through conferences, publications, and programs that inspire dialogue, debate, and collaboration, IEEE CS empowers, shapes, and guides the future of not only its 375,000+ community members, but the greater industry, enabling new opportunities to better serve our world. Visit computer.org for more information.