Why should I join an NSF Engines team?
The U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program encourages regional teams of innovators and ecosystem builders, including those from institutions of higher education, industry, startups, venture funds, entrepreneurial support organizations, state and local governments and tribal nations working in partnership with others, to submit proposals aimed at building innovation ecosystems across the U.S.
Why should representatives from industry join a team?
What are some examples of engagement pathways for industry?
- Partner with an NSF Engine.
- Build on NSF's funding to co-invest in fundamental and translational research, startup company creation, innovation ecosystem infrastructure building and workforce development programs.
- License technologies and co-invest in startups emerging from NSF Engines.
- Loan executives to serve in NSF Engines leadership roles or as entrepreneurs-in-residence and mentors.
- Partner on talent initiatives; recruit and co-design workforce development programs that fit industry needs.
Take action
- Convene relevant sectors and organizational types within your region.
- Complete the NSF Engines engagement interest form.
Why should startups, venture funds, and entrepreneurial support organizations join a team?
What are some examples of engagement pathways for startups, venture funds and entrepreneurial support organizations?
- Become a core partner (a member of the stakeholder coalition often contributing or receiving significant resources).
- Bring the best entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem builders to the table during the application process, ensuring company builders and startup founders have a voice in topic areas and goals.
- Partner on research and development, develop startup support infrastructure and talent initiatives, and drive regional need conversations.
- Invest in companies developing breakthrough technologies emerging from NSF Engines.
Take action
- Convene relevant sectors and organizational types within your region.
- Complete the NSF Engines engagement interest form.
What are some other ways I can get involved?
If you are interested in working with an NSF Engine, complete the NSF Engines Engagement Interest Form. This form provides interested parties with the opportunity to express interest in partnering with NSF Engines and NSF Engines development awardees in a variety of ways, including:
- Full-time and part-time roles within NSF Engines, ranging from CEO to entrepreneur in residence to intern.
- Co-funding NSF Engines and/or projects that are emerging from their innovation ecosystems.
- Opportunities to mentor specific Engines in areas where you have unique expertise.
If you are interested in learning more about more opportunities to connect with the Builder Platform to support initiatives and teams spanning the entire portfolio, please email BuilderPlatform@engine.xyz.
For press inquiries, please email medrel@nsf.gov.
To learn more about the NSF Engines program and future funding opportunities and follow along as the portfolio of awardees begin their entrepreneurial journey, sign up for NSF's newsletter.
Become a reviewer
If you would like to serve as a review panel member for the NSF Engines program, please complete the reviewer interest survey.
Co-fund an NSF Engine
Email the Builder Platform about your interest in providing funding for an NSF Engine. Most emails are answered within a few business days.
Tell us about a potential connection
Email the Builder Platform to let us know about a potential connection for the NSF Engines program. Most emails are answered within a few business days.