Inclusive innovation ecosystem prize competition launched

The Lab-to-Market (L2M) subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on the Science and Technology Enterprise is launching a $325,000 prize competition to highlight successful examples of innovation ecosystems, particularly existing resources that support underserved communities or remarkable responses to the pandemic environment. There are three categories for applicants with an informational webinar scheduled for Sept. 25, before the portal opens on Sept. 30.

The prize competition will also recognize impactful ideas for using prize funds to develop strong connections and support within the R&D innovation ecosystem. The three categories in the competition are:

•    “Super Connector” – Prizes of $10,000 for current efforts successfully including networks of underrepresented communities in the R&D innovation ecosystem. 
•    “Ecosystem Responder” – Prizes of $10,000 for timely and effective responses to the pandemic environment. 
•    “Visionary” – Prizes of $25,000 for the most creative and actionable ideas to build an inclusive R&D innovation ecosystem.

To compete, applicants must submit a 10-slide presentation and a 90-second video to the submission portal. Submissions are due by Oct. 14. The full official rules document is available here.