NSF Convergence Accelerator announces solicitation to establish a Southeast Regional Anchor
The NSF Convergence Accelerator aims to ignite innovation through its expansion into the Southeast Region
The U.S. National Science Foundation is announcing the NSF Convergence Accelerator Southeast Regional Anchor solicitation. The funding opportunity will establish the Regional Anchor for the Southeast Region, part of NSF's three-year plan to scale the NSF Convergence Accelerator from a single national program to 10 regionally focused NSF Convergence Accelerators that aim to advance research, innovation and workforce development and address pressing societal and economic challenges within defined geographic areas.
Prior to issuing the Regional Anchor solicitation, NSF conducted a series of regional events designed to raise awareness about the NSF Convergence Accelerator regionalization, including providing insights into the opportunities in which a wide range of regional stakeholders could participate in, including the Regional Anchor role.
In July 2024, the NSF Convergence Accelerator hosted two events in the Southeast Region, bringing together academia, industry, nonprofits, government and other communities of practice from across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Participants explored the pivotal role of a Regional Anchor, designed to execute the NSF Convergence Accelerator's program model and manage day-to-day operations at the regional level in accordance with NSF guidance. They also learned about other ways to foster collaboration across the region's innovation ecosystem.
The Southeast Regional Anchor funding opportunity is the next step in establishing the NSF Convergence Accelerator for the Southeast Region.
"The TIP Directorate is committed to accelerating technology and innovation throughout the nation," said Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for NSF Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP). "With initiatives like the NSF Convergence Accelerator regionalization, we are sparking the development of cutting-edge technologies and delivering practical solutions for the everyday challenges Americans face, while also building a workforce comprising all Americans and fueling economic growth. This new funding opportunity allows the TIP Directorate to tap into the Southeast Region's rich talent base, shaping the future of the region's unique innovation landscape."
Role of the Southeast Regional Anchor
The NSF Convergence Accelerator is seeking a dedicated organization to serve as the Southeast Regional Anchor as part of the program's expansion.
As the Southeast Regional Anchor, the awarded organization will implement the NSF Convergence Accelerator's model and ensure a consistent program experience. The awarded organization will serve as a strategic representative for NSF at the regional level, supporting use-inspired and translational research and workforce development.
Apply to be the NSF Convergence Accelerator Regional Anchor for the Southeast Region
Proposers interested in the Southeast Regional Anchor funding opportunity must reside within the Southeast Region. For additional eligibility requirements, please refer to the solicitation on SAM.gov.
"The NSF Convergence Accelerator is excited to be issuing this Regional Anchor funding opportunity for the Southeast Region, marking another significant step toward expanding our program nationwide," said Douglas Maughan, section head for the NSF Convergence Accelerator. "After a successful launch in the Midwest, we hope to continue to build momentum in the Southeast Region, seeking organizations with a diverse set of expertise and capabilities to implement our program. We're seeking organizations that can lead innovation, be a strategic partner to NSF, promote collaboration, and address the Southeast Region's distinct challenges and opportunities head on."
Funding opportunity
Solicitation details and requirements can be found on SAM.gov, notice ID: NSF-OTASO-FY25-01.
Letter of Intent: Required before full proposal submission via the application submission system.
Full Proposal Deadline: No later than 4 p.m. EST on November 21, 2024.
Southeast Regional Anchor Funding Opportunity Informational Webinar
Tuesday, October 29 | 2:30 – 4 p.m. EDT
Join the NSF Convergence Accelerator team for an informative webinar on the Southeast Regional Anchor funding opportunity. Attendance at this event is highly encouraged for proposers and will include a 45-minute presentation on the program's model and fundamentals, details about the solicitation opportunity and essential submission information, as well as a question-and-answer (Q&A) session. To maximize the effectiveness of the Q&A session, proposers are encouraged to review the solicitation ahead of time.
This webinar aims to raise awareness and explain the application process for this exciting opportunity, which provides applicants with a chance to play a leading role in shaping the future of research and development.
Webinar registration: 2024-nsf-ca-expansion-southeast-webinar.eventbrite.com