INACSL (the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning) has launched a new research grant this cycle: the In-Kind Vendor Grants. Applications open August 24, 2026, with proposals due October 26, 2026. PCS.ai is one of three simulation technology vendors participating in this first round.
How the Program Works
The In-Kind Vendor Grants take a different approach than a typical research grant: instead of a cash award, participating vendors provide product access and dedicated support. INACSL matches each researcher's area of study with a participating vendor. A small group of simulation technology companies is taking part this cycle, with one award available through PCS.ai.
"What excites me most about this program is how quickly it gets cutting-edge technology into the hands of researchers and institutions who are asking the most interesting questions about AI in simulation but might not otherwise have the budget for it," said Michelle Castleberry, co-founder of PCS.ai.
What the PCS.ai Award Includes
The award pairs one researcher with 12 months of access to SimVox Pro, along with IT and technical support for the duration of the grant.
SimVox Pro is a device that adds AI-driven voice interaction to patient simulators. It works with any manikin, task trainer, or simulator, allowing spoken conversation between a learner and a simulated patient.
For a study specifically looking at AI-driven patient communication in simulation, this removes the step of building or separately licensing that capability.
Here's a glimpse of what that research can look like: University at Buffalo School of Nursing researchers put SimVox to the test in a study published this month in Clinical Simulation in Nursing, INACSL's own peer-reviewed journal, randomly assigning 84 prelicensure nursing students to a simulation with either an AI-generated patient voice (via SimVox) or a live human-voiced patient. Students in the SimVox condition reported significantly greater psychological presence and realism — with no difference in clinical judgment outcomes between the two groups. It's independent, peer-reviewed evidence that AI-generated patient voice can meaningfully improve simulation immersion without compromising what students actually learn.
How to Apply
Applications open today, August 24, 2026, and are due October 26, 2026. Full eligibility requirements, the application form, and INACSL's review rubric are all available on the application page.
-3.png)