Funding opportunities
The U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program posted a new funding opportunity.
Who can apply?
The NSF Engines program encourages regional teams of innovators and ecosystem builders from industry, higher education, nonprofits, tribal nations and state and local governments interested in catalyzing and fostering technology translation and development to form regional coalitions and submit proposals aimed at building innovation ecosystems across the U.S. The mission of an NSF Engine must be clearly rooted in regional interests and reflect the aspiration that a regional innovation ecosystem can help build strong communities where all residents can thrive. This round of funding is an open competition with no prerequisite of having been funded by NSF programs previously.
Update as of March 13, 2025:
The NSF Engines program solicitation (NSF 24-565) has been revised and republished with a new full proposal submission deadline of April 15, 2025 (due by 5 p.m. submitting organization's local time). Please read through the revised solicitation carefully and update your proposal as needed. If you have already submitted your proposal, you will need to withdraw and resubmit.
Update as of Sept. 17, 2024:
NSF the eligibility of certain organization types to lead a proposal responsive to the current NSF Engines funding opportunity (NSF 24-565). Specifically, statutory language pursuant to the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022" presently limits eligible NSF Engines lead organizations to institutions of higher education, nonprofits, nonacademic organizations; and for-profit organizations [42 U.S.C. 19108 (e)]. The NSF Engines funding opportunity additionally includes tribal nations as well as state and local governments among the list of organizations eligible to lead, which is inconsistent with the above limitation.
The NSF Engines program team has been in contact with affected proposers to identify ways for them to move forward through the NSF merit review process fairly, while also remaining in compliance with the law.
We sincerely apologize for any confusion and/or inconvenience this issue poses to the impacted proposing teams, who are all working hard to grow the innovation base for their communities and regions. NSF continues to be deeply committed to meaningful engagement with people, communities, and organizations all across the United States.
What are the deadlines?
- Letter of intent: June 18, 2024
- Preliminary proposals: Aug. 6, 2024
- Full proposals: April 15, 2025 [amended date]
FAQs
The NSF Engines program has published frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the 2024 NSF Engines program funding opportunity. If you submitted a letter of intent to the program and are considering submitting a preliminary proposal, you are strongly encouraged to review the FAQs as you prepare your submission.