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NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines program releases info on all concept outlines, sets Type-2 award deadlines

July 28, 2022
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By: Conor Gowder

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is breaking with tradition this week and for the first time released application data before it formally accepts applications for the NSF Engines program, which will provide up to $160 million of funding for up to 10+ years to establish each regional-scale innovation ecosystem Engine. The nearly 700 concept outlines have been published to help submitters in preparing successful proposals, with the belief that the applications and subsequent Engines will be strengthened if applicants are able to find one another and collaborate. NSF has also announced the Type-2 award deadlines for the Regional Innovation Engines program.

NSF has made application data public and open-sourced, available as a table and map. Location of submitters along with titles, summaries, and contacts are just some of the provided information. It is their hope that collaboration between applicants will both strengthen individual applications and produce stronger awardees. More information on this data and how to use it can be found here.

NSF announced the following key deadlines for the Type 2 awards:

  • Letters of Intent: Due Dec. 15, 2022, at 5 p.m., submitter’s local time
  • Full Proposals: Due Jan. 31, 2023, at 5 p.m., submitter’s local time

Organizations interested in applying for Type-2 awards in the current award cycle should have already submitted their concept outlines on or before June 30, 2022.

The Regional Innovation Engine (NSF Engine) program’s Type-2 awards will provide up to 10+ years of funding across three phases (Nascent, Emergent and Growth) for awarded NSF Engines representing a geographical region to support and spur the region’s research and development activities in a sustainable way. NSF has indicated that additional Type-2 proposals may be available in the FY 2024-2025 timeframe, if funds are available. More information can be found in the NSF Engines FAQ.

NSF also offers Type-1 awards that are intended to help teams develop the networks, infrastructure, and resources necessary to create strong Type-2 proposals. Up to $1 million of seed funding is provided for a maximum of 24 months to help grow the innovation economies in specific topic areas and prepare teams for a Type-2 application. A Type-1 award is not required to apply for a Type-2 award.

More information on NSF Engine awards and their specific application requirements can be found here.

nsf, innovation, funding, economic development