NSF Convergence Accelerator announces the first funding opportunity aligned with the Midwest Regional Anchor
The NSF Convergence Accelerator is expanding, igniting innovation in the Midwest Region
The U.S. National Science Foundation is pleased to announce a funding opportunity to establish a Regional Anchor for the NSF Convergence Accelerator's Midwest Region. The Regional Anchor will be responsible for implementing the NSF Convergence Accelerator's program model and day-to-day operations for the Midwest Region, in accordance with NSF guidelines.
In April 2024, NSF formally announced its plan to scale the NSF Convergence Accelerator from a single national program to 10 regionally focused NSF Convergence Accelerators that aim to enhance national and regional competitiveness in research, innovation and workforce development, as well as address pressing societal and economic challenges within geographic areas. Over the next three years, NSF will expand the program nationwide to 10 geographic regions through a series of expansion events — at least two per region — to raise awareness of the initiative, including providing insights into the opportunities a wide range of regional stakeholders may engage to participate in the program, including the Regional Anchor role.
The Midwest Region was the first region in which the NSF Convergence Accelerator hosted a series of events in May 2024. The Midwest Anchor funding opportunity is the next step in establishing the NSF Convergence Accelerator for the Midwest Region.
"A key focus of the NSF TIP Directorate and the 'CHIPS and Science Act of 2022' is to foster innovation and technology ecosystems throughout the nation,” said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP). “Through programs like the NSF Convergence Accelerator, we are catalyzing new technologies and nurturing impactful, tangible solutions to address the day-to-day challenges that Americans face, all the while growing a diverse workforce and fostering economic development and growth. Through this new funding opportunity, the TIP directorate is harnessing the Midwest Region's vast and diverse talent to shape the region's innovation ecosystem."
Role of the Midwest NSF Convergence Accelerator Regional Anchor
The NSF Convergence Accelerator is seeking a dedicated organization to take on the role of Midwest Regional Anchor as part of the program's expansion.
As the NSF Convergence Accelerator Regional Anchor for the Midwest, 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 of NSF at the regional level, supporting use-inspired research advancements to address complex regional challenges, shaping technology advancements and fueling the region's economic development, and more.
Apply to be the NSF Convergence Accelerator Regional Anchor for the Midwest Region
Proposers interested in the Midwest Anchor funding opportunity must reside within the Midwest Region, which includes Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. 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 Midwest Region, as this means we are closer to establishing our first regional NSF Convergence Accelerator,” said Douglas Maughan, section head of the NSF Convergence Accelerator. “We are seeking organizations that have a diverse set of expertise and capabilities to be able to implement our program model, as well as expertise in fostering innovation and promoting collaboration to address regional challenges and needs."
Funding opportunity
Solicitation details and requirements can be found on SAM.gov, notice ID: NSF-OTASO-FY24-01.
Letter of Intent: Required before full proposal submission via the application submission system.
Full Proposal Deadline: No later than 4 p.m. EDT on August 29, 2024.
Midwest Regional Anchor Funding Opportunity Informational Webinar
Thursday, August 8 | 2 – 3:30 p.m. EDT
Join the NSF Convergence Accelerator Team for a webinar to learn about the Midwest Regional Anchor funding opportunity. Proposers are encouraged to register and attend this webinar, including a 45-minute presentation covering the program's model and fundamentals, details about the solicitation opportunity and essential submission information. A Q&A will follow the presentation. Proposers are recommended to review the solicitation document before this webinar to maximize the effectiveness of the Q&A session.
This webinar aims to raise awareness and clarify the application process for this exciting opportunity, which gives applicants the chance to play a leading role in shaping the future of research and development.
Webinar registration: 2024-nsf-ca-expansion-midwest-webinar.eventbrite.com