The University of Southern Maine (USM) designed and implemented an internal Research Cluster Seed Fund competition with the goals of building USM faculty expertise to address industry and community needs, deepening the impact of research through an interdisciplinary approach to solving problems, and leveraging external funding to sustain collaborative efforts. Through two rounds of competitions we funded five teams of faculty and students who have come together with industry and community partners to conduct research ranging from how Maine businesses should address cyber security breaches, to better management of chronic illnesses through the use of information technology. Faculty have reported that learning how to work together in an interdisciplinary team and with external partners is an evolving process that takes time. But, they are all extremely positive about what they have gained by coming together. Faculty needed assistance in setting goals and measurable objectives, and in understanding how a research cluster needs to be more than a sum of its parts. Thus, this competition was a learning process for all involved. We hope this model will continue as a way to focus and leverage USM's scholarly strengths while developing solutions to the most pressing issues facing our region.