Formal:
* Undertaking
* Initiative
* Venture
* Endeavor
* Task
* Assignment
* Program
* Plan
Informal:
* Job
* Gig
* Mission
* Goal
* Aim
* Effort
* Work
* Deal
Specific to type:
* Research
* Experiment
* Construction
* Development
* Production
The best word to use will depend on the specific context. For example, "project" is a good general term, but "undertaking" might be more appropriate if you are talking about a large, complex project. "Job" or "gig" might be better for a smaller, more informal project.