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What is the Builder Platform?
A robust community and partnership platform effort for NSF Engines, the Builder Platform will be a human-centered network of support structures and offerings that empower NSF Engines awardees with the tools, skills, networks, and capital needed to thrive and be successful. It will be a central component of the NSF Engines program, which aims to catalyze and foster innovation ecosystems across the U.S.
NSF anticipates making a significant initial investment in the form of a three-year award to one or more organizations to jumpstart the Builder Platform effort.
Who are we looking for?
While the Builder Platform team may use technology to build communities and connect awardees, the Builder Platform goals and activities are much broader than developing a single technology solution. The Builder Platform aims to operate more like the leadership team of an incubator, accelerator or venture fund, offering a full suite of network connections and support to NSF Engine awardees. The platform will have the ability to flex in several areas, working hands-on with awardees and connecting awardees to potential partners and talent they’ll need to be successful. NSF is especially interested in organizations with experience in:
- Early-stage entrepreneurial ecosystems
- Startup and venture studios
- State and local government economic development agencies
- Tribal governments
- Community organizations
Of particular interest are organizations that have helped these entities build their networks, develop cross-sector partnerships, and quickly and sustainably scale.
I’m Interested! What are the next steps?
To learn more about the Builder Platform effort, you can review the Builder Platform Statement of Objective (SOO).
We also invite you to register to attend a webinar about the Builder Platform on Monday, December 19, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET.
To express interest as a lead organization for the Builder Platform, NSF invites you to submit a 2-page Vision and Capability Statement by January 20, 2023. If you would like to provide feedback about the Builder Platform without expressing interest in leading the effort, you may add your feedback to the form titled “NSF Builder Platform Feedback. Please review the Description section of the NSF Engines Builder Platform Market Intelligence for details on how to respond in these manners.
Thank you,
NSF's Regional Innovation Engines Team
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