A new project is started by moving a listed “researchable” technology from the right side of the screen to one of the open available slots on the left side of the screen.

First,  to see a list of all your researchable technologies, make sure that the middle of the three gold medallions is highlighted in white. This medallion lists the technology currently available for research on the right side of the screen.  Also make sure that the “show all” filter button above the listed technologies is selected. 

Pick a technology to research from this list. Click on the compass button next to the text describing the technology. One of your available slots on the left side is filled with your selection.

Now you may allocate additional cash to the project using the slider in that slot. The more cash spent, the faster you will gain the benefits of the new technology.