Good Morning,

 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced a new large-scale program called “Regional Innovation Engines.” Each NSF Engine can receive up to $160 million to support the development of diverse regional coalitions to engage in use-inspired research, translation of innovation to society, and workforce development. Investigators are required to submit a concept outline before submitting a full proposal to NSF. While there is no limit to the number of concept outlines Harvard may submit, Harvard is limited to submitting one letter of intent followed by one full application. In order to manage a potential internal competition at the letter of intent stage, investigators are asked to notify Erin Hale (erin_hale@fas.harvard.edu) of their intent to submit a concept outline as soon as possible. Please include your topic area and a brief description of your concept in the email. More information on the program can be found in the synopsis below:

 

NSF Regional Innovation Engines

Concept Outline Deadline (required): June 30, 2022

Letter of Intent Deadline for Type 1 Awards (invitation only): August 31, 2022

Full Proposal Deadline for Type 1 Awards (invitation only): September 29, 2022

Letter of Intent Deadline for Type 2 Awards (invitation only): TBD

Full Proposal Deadline for Type 2 Awards (invitation only): TBD

Award Amount: $1M over two years for Type 1 proposals; up to $160 million over ten years for Type 2 proposals

 

The Regional Innovation Engines, or NSF Engines, program catalyzes and fosters innovation ecosystems across the U.S. to: 

• Advance critical technologies
• Address national and societal challenges
• Foster partnerships across industry, academia, government, nonprofits, civil society, and communities of practice
• Promote and stimulate economic growth and job creation
• Spur regional innovation and talent

The NSF Engines program uniquely harnesses the nation’s science and technology research and development enterprise and regional-level resources. NSF Engines can catalyze robust partnerships rooted in scientific and technological innovation to positively impact the economy within a geographic region, address societal challenges, and advance national competitiveness. Funding for this program will prioritize regions across the nation without well-established innovation ecosystems. Engines in regions of the country where prospective ecosystem members exist, but where innovation activities are only loosely connected, are of particular interest.

 

The NSF Engines program is soliciting two different types of proposals: Type-1 and Type-2.

• Type-1 awards are development awards intended to enable awardees to lay the groundwork for submitting a successful Type-2 proposal to launch a full-scale NSF Engine.
• Type-2 awards are for regions and proposing teams that are prepared to launch an NSF Engine by the expected award date.

Additional information, including FAQs, can be found in the Broad Agency Announcement.

 

Questions may be directed to Erin Hale at erin_hale@fas.harvard.edu or Susan Gomes at sgomes@fas.harvard.edu.