NSF advances 71 teams spanning nearly every U.S. state and territory in the second Regional Innovation Engines competition
The invited teams highlight the broad interest in the NSF Engines program and show great promise in building regional ecosystems that will accelerate breakthrough technologies, leading to economic development
The U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program announced that 71 teams spanning nearly every state and territory in the nation are advancing to the next stage of the second-ever competition. The program is charting a new frontier for American innovation pursuant to the bipartisan "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022." The teams selected to submit full proposals stand to build upon an inaugural cohort of regions nationwide that are bringing technology-driven economic and workforce development to all parts of the United States. Explore the interactive map.
 "The breadth and depth of preliminary proposals submitted to the NSF Engines funding opportunity demonstrates both the very real need for and the potential of harnessing the full geography of innovation across our nation," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. "The teams invited to submit a full proposal have shown through their preliminary proposal submissions how they will knit together innovative ideas, talent and resources in their respective regions to accelerate the development of key technologies. Collectively, they are well positioned to directly contribute to strengthening our nation's competitiveness and security for the mid-21st century."
Of the 71 teams invited to submit full proposals to the NSF Engines program, 23 — or nearly one-third — are led by organizations located in NSF Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research jurisdictions; 13 are led by organizations new to NSF funding; 23 are led by nonacademic organizations; and nine are led by a minority-serving institution. In addition, nearly half of the teams advancing received an NSF Engines Development Award — effectively a planning grant — in May 2023.
Under the current NSF Engines funding opportunity, organizations were required to submit a letter of intent to demonstrate their interest in applying. NSF published data from the letters in July 2024. Teams were then required to submit preliminary proposals by Aug. 6, describing how their proposed NSF Engines aim to build partnerships that will advance use-inspired and translational research in key technology areas and address pressing challenges while creating new pathways for the workforce in their regions. Preliminary proposals were reviewed by panels of experts whose guidance helped NSF to select teams that will progress to the next stage of merit review. These teams will submit full proposals by February 2025. This solicitation is consistent with NSF's FY2025 budget request; however, NSF's ability to make new NSF Engines awards will be based on final FY2025 appropriations.
Additionally, the NSF Engines program aims to foster cross-sector connections, particularly engaging organizations that may not typically work together or submit to NSF funding opportunities. Nonprofits, foundations, state and local governments, tribal nations, community organizations and investors have all expressed interest in connecting with emerging NSF Engines. By publishing the 71 invited teams, NSF aims to create opportunities across the U.S. for additional individuals and organizations to connect with prospective submitters (within one's region of service and beyond) to share expertise, exchange resources, provide capital and more.
In the coming weeks, NSF will publish more information about the teams moving to the next round, including partner information and how to connect with the invited proposing teams. NSF continues to encourage interested organizations to consider cooperating within their region to build a strong coalition and NSF Engines proposal.
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