Convergence Accelerator Resources

NSF Convergence Accelerator Phase 1 and 2 for 2022 Cohort - Tracks H, I and J

Researchers and innovators have two submission pathways to submit their proposals.

• Solicitation, NSF-22-583
• Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), NSFBAA-CA22-02

Key dates: 

• Letter of intent (required): May 31, 2022
• Full Phase 1 Proposal: July 20, 2022
• Full Phase 2 Proposal: August 29, 2023*

* Phase 2 Full Proposals, only Phase 1 awardees are eligible to apply

Securely Operating through 5G Infrastructure Funding Opportunity

Partnering with the Department of Defense’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, OUSD(RE), the NSF Convergence Accelerator has published two submission pathways for researchers and innovators to submit their proposal.

• Solicitation, NSF 22-538
• Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), NSFBAA-CA22-01

Key dates: 

• Letter of intent (required): February 16, 2022
• Full Phase 1 Proposal: April 12, 2022
• Full Phase 2 Proposal: April 4, 2023*

* Phase 2 Full Proposals, only Phase 1 awardees are eligible to apply

Funded Future Topic Selection Workshops

Convergence Accelerator research topics begin as an ideation process—gathering input, through a Dear Colleague Letter on future topics conference proposals, from industry, academic institutions, non-profits, government, and other interested parties. Identified topics must meet a societal need at scale, be built upon foundational research, and be suitable for a multidisciplinary, convergence research approach.

2021 Workshops for the 2022 Topics

The Convergence Accelerator has selected 12 topics to further be developed through workshops. Topic submissions were gathered from the Dear Colleague Letter/Request for Information, DCL/RFI NSF-21-012 and RFI on SAM.gov NSFOA2021-1, focused on gathering convergence research topics for FY2022.

Find additional information on the funded workshops

2020 Workshop Reports for 2021 Topics

The Convergence Accelerator funded 12 topics to be further developed through workshops. Topic submissions were gathered from the Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) NSF-20-061, focused on gathering convergence research topics for FY 2021. Reports were provided to NSF at the conclusion of each workshop to assist the Convergence Accelerator program in determining the topics for the 2021 cohort. Of the 12 workshop topics, two were chosen for the 2021 cohort, creating the Networked Blue Economy and Trust & Authenticity in Communication Systems tracks.

Find additional information on the funded workshops

NSF's Convergence Accelerator program overview video, July 2021

AI Magazine, Issue 1, Spring 2022 - The NSF Convergence Accelerator 

Convergence Accelerator submission timeline (DUNS and SAMS Info) (PDF, 246.53 KB)

Convergence Accelerator solicitation all personnel Excel spreadsheet (XLSX, 24.25 KB)

Sample of NSF Convergence Accelerator Phase 1 Innovation Curriculum schedule (PDF, 1.1 MB)

Sample of NSF Convergence Accelerator Phase 1 Innovation Curriculum deliverables (PDF, 1.05 MB)

Convergence Accelerator Expo 2021

The U.S. National Science Foundation's Convergence Accelerator hosted Convergence Accelerator Expo 2021 on July 28–29, 2021. 

This exciting event highlighted the Convergence Accelerator's portfolio in an exhibition format, like a big science fair. Attendees had the opportunity to see unique solutions across multiple convergence research track topics, all focused on addressing national-scale societal challenges.

During the event, attendees learned about the Convergence Accelerator Program; saw more than 35 live demos focused on solutions to national-scale societal challenges; and networked with other researchers, innovators, and business and technical practitioners.

FEATURED TRACK TOPICS

Track A: Open Knowledge Networks: Knowledge networks connect data to create new understandings. The Convergence Accelerator is funding the creation of nonproprietary infrastructure for building open knowledge networks.

Track B: Future of Work: Artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics are shifting the future of work. The Convergence Accelerator is funding solutions to train, reskill, upskill and prepare the workforce for the industry needs and jobs of the future — building a talent pipeline to stimulate the U.S. workforce.

Track C: Quantum Technology: Quantum technologies can improve the U.S. industrial base, create jobs, and provide significant progress toward economic and societal needs. The Convergence Accelerator is funding solutions for a diverse set of quantum applications.

Track D: AI-Driven Innovation via Data Sharing and Modeling: AI research and development requires access to high-quality datasets and environments and resources for testing and training. The Convergence Accelerator is funding solutions to address data and model-related challenges and data types.

Special Track: Future of Manufacturing EcoManufacturing Team: The EcoManufacturing team, funded by the NSF Directorate of Engineering, participated in the Convergence Accelerator's innovation curriculum to speed their research toward major science advances in sustainable manufacturing.