NSF Convergence Accelerator expansion extends to Northeast Region
November events in New York City and Providence, Rhode Island, aim to connect stakeholders from various domains and sectors across the Northeast Region to solve the region's most complex challenges
The U.S. National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator is calling all innovators in the Northeast Region — from Maine to New York — to help expand the geography of innovation through the development of groundbreaking technologies and solutions that help solve complex societal and geostrategic challenges that directly impact the region.
The NSF Convergence Accelerator continues its expansion efforts into the Northeast Region by hosting two events in New York City (Nov. 7) and Providence, Rhode Island, (Nov. 13) to enhance national and regional competitiveness in research, innovation and workforce development. The Northeast Regional events follow expansion events earlier this year in the Midwest and Southeast regions.
Interested stakeholders and organizations from academia, industry, nonprofits, government and other communities of practice that reside within Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont are encouraged to register now and attend one of two half-day, in-person events; those living in neighboring states may visit the NSF Convergence Accelerator's website to see when expansion events will be coming to your area.
During the expansion events, Northeast Regional attendees will learn how NSF plans to expand the NSF Convergence Accelerator from a single national program to 10 regionally focused NSF Convergence Accelerators that aim to enhance and promote regional competitiveness in research and innovation. Colleagues, partners and stakeholders are welcome to attend one of the Northeast Regional Expansion Events.
"This NSF Convergence Accelerator's Northeast expansion promotes convergence research and innovation by connecting stakeholders from various domains and sectors to help solve the Northeast Region's most complex challenges," said NSF Convergence Accelerator Section Head Douglas Maughan. "Our program is unique in that it accelerates use-inspired research toward tangible, real-world solutions that cannot be solved by a single discipline. We aim to bring together a diverse group of researchers, practitioners and stakeholders to address pressing societal and economic challenges that are specific to the Northeast Region. This is the very definition of regional work for regional benefit."
Sign up for program expansion updates.
- Program and expansion overview. Gain a comprehensive understanding of NSF, the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, the NSF Convergence Accelerator program model and plans for the program's regional expansion.
- Regional Anchor opportunity. Explore the pivotal role of a Regional Anchor, designed to execute the NSF Convergence Accelerator's program model at the regional level and ensure the overall experience is consistent with the existing program. Organizations with current and pending NSF Convergence Accelerator research funding are ineligible for this opportunity.
- Regional Consortium opportunities. Learn about the opportunities that the Northeast Regional Convergence Accelerator will offer to researchers, innovators, practitioners and other stakeholders within the region. Discover how Consortium Members will collaborate to solve the region's most complex challenges, from ideation to research delivery to sustainable innovations.
- Panel discussions. Hear firsthand from NSF Convergence Accelerator-funded teams in candid conversations about their projects and their experience in the program.
- Dynamic networking opportunities. Connect with like-minded innovators, collaborators and thought leaders committed to addressing complex regional challenges.
"These NSF Convergence Accelerator Northeast Regional Expansion Events will give us an opportunity to connect with a wide range of stakeholders within each region and for those stakeholders to create new connections and synergies to nurture the region's innovation ecosystem," said NSF Convergence Accelerator Program Expansion Lead Shelby Smith. "This is an opportunity for organizations to become part of a fast-paced convergence program and to create solutions to pressing regional challenges. We're excited to share information about our program model and how this expansion will transform the national innovation landscape."
Sign up for NSF Convergence Accelerator Eventbrite updates.
Register now for events in the Northeast Region.
New York City
The Westin New York at Times Square
November 7, 2024, 12 – 5 p.m. ET
Providence
Omni Providence
November 13, 2024, 12 – 5 p.m. ET
For program expansion updates and future events, subscribe to the NSF Convergence Accelerator's GovDelivery email list and Eventbrite page.
About the NSF Convergence Accelerator
Launched in 2019, the NSF Convergence Accelerator — an NSF TIP program — builds upon NSF's investment in basic research and discovery to accelerate solutions toward societal and economic impact. The program's multidisciplinary teams use convergence research fundamentals and innovation processes to stimulate innovative idea-sharing and the development of sustainable solutions. For more information about the program, visit new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/convergence-accelerator.
About NSF TIP
NSF TIP harnesses the nation's vast and diverse talent pool to accelerate critical and emerging technologies and address pressing societal and economic challenges. The directorate comprises three primary focus areas: fostering innovation and technology ecosystems; establishing translation pathways; and partnering across sectors to improve U.S. competitiveness, grow the U.S. economy and engage and train a diverse workforce for future, high-wage jobs. For more information about TIP, visit new.nsf.gov/tip/latest.