SPARC Collision Incubator

The National Science Foundation has created a new initiative called the Regional Innovation Engines. 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.

The NSF Engines program funding prioritizes U.S. geographic regions that do not have well-established innovation ecosystems. Engines in regions where prospective ecosystem members exist and innovation activities are loosely connected are of particular interest.

NSF will award Type 1 awards (planning) to enable awardees to lay the groundwork for establishing a new NSF Engine in their region for a given topic area and Type 2 awards (program) creating partnerships, and growth of the innovation ecosystem. These awards will require collaborations with external stakeholders. Concept papers are due June 26.

SPARC will hold a Collision (information session) on the Regional Innovation Engines on May 27 from 12-1 pm. With our colleagues from Lewis-Burke Associates, we will provide an overview of the opportunity, competitive information learned, and offer a Q&A session for those interested in submitting a proposal.