NSF spurs use-inspired research and technology development to address food and nutrition security challenges

NSF's Convergence Accelerator invests $11 million spanning 16 teams to advance regenerative agriculture practices and provide equitable and affordable nutritious food options 

The U.S. National Science Foundation today announced an $11 million investment to address challenges related to food and nutrition security. NSF has selected 16 multidisciplinary teams for Phase 1 of the Convergence Accelerator program’s Track J: Food & Nutrition Security.

Implementing convergence across food and nutrition sectors, Phase 1 teams under Track J will develop technologies, tools and approaches to combat challenges related to population health, climate change, and nutritional needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. 

By 2050, the world's population is anticipated to increase to an estimated 9.7 billion people, with a corresponding increase in food demands by 60%, water demands by 55% and energy needs by 80%, according to the United NationsDepartment of Economic and Social Affairs

and NSF-funded workshop “Sustainable Systems Enabling Food Security in Extreme Environments and Food Deserts Employing a Convergence of Food, Energy, Water and Systems for Societal Impact Report”, led by The University of Texas at El Paso.

"New technologies could play an important role in ensuring that individuals have access to food and water in the coming decades," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. "Through transdisciplinary, use-inspired and translational research, the projects in which we are investing today have the potential to help the most vulnerable Americans, not to mention billions of people worldwide." 

Over the next nine months, the Phase 1 teams will develop their initial ideas into proofs of concept, identify new team members and partners and participate in a hands-on innovation curriculum providing fundamentals in human-centered design; team science; use-inspired research; early-stage prototyping; and communications, storytelling and pitching. 

"Food and nutrition security is a new focus for the Convergence Accelerator's portfolio and we are excited to welcome these teams into our program," said Douglas Maughan, head of the NSF Convergence Accelerator. "Through our investments including the unique Convergence Accelerator curriculum, we hope to create a group of synergistic efforts that advance regenerative agriculture practices, reduce water usage, provide equitable access to nutritious and affordable food for disadvantaged communities, and spur technology and job creation." 

The Track J topic was chosen based on the results of NSF-funded community workshops — selected through the NSF's Convergence Accelerator ideation process — as well as research and federal priorities to create sustainable solutions and best practices. For example, Track J is aligned with executive and congressional priorities, as evidenced by a series of recent executive orders: 13990, 14002 and 14008. 

At the end of Phase 1, teams will submit formal Phase 2 proposals and pitch for up to $5 million of additional support. Over 24 months, selected Phase 2 teams will further develop their solutions and sustainability development plans. 

The awardees include:  

Launched in 2019, the Convergence Accelerator — a Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, or TIP, program — builds upon NSF's investment in basic research and discovery to accelerate solutions toward societal and economic impact. Convergence Accelerator multidisciplinary teams use convergence research fundamentals and innovation processes to stimulate innovative idea sharing and development of sustainable solutions. 

More information about the Convergence Accelerator program is available at https://beta.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/convergence-accelerator.  

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