A unique program to grow and sustain regional innovation
Over the coming decade, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program — led by the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) — envisions supporting multiple flourishing regional innovation ecosystems across the U.S., spurring economic growth in regions that have not fully participated in the technology boom of the past few decades.
The program seeks to catalyze and foster innovation ecosystems across the United States to:
- Advance critical technologies like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced wireless and biotechnology.
- Address pressing national and societal challenges.
- Cultivate partnerships across industry, academia, government, nonprofits, civil society and communities of practice.
- Promote and stimulate economic growth and job creation.
- Spur regional innovation and talent.
NSF Engines cohorts
NSF Engines cohort 1
On January 29, 2024, NSF announced the first-ever NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) awards to 10 teams spanning universities, nonprofits, businesses and other organizations across the United States.
Each team received an initial $15 million over the next two years with the potential to receive up to $160 million each over the next decade.
NSF Engines cohort 2
On July 14, 2026, NSF announced the newest NSF Engines awards to 12 teams across 20 states. These awardees join a portfolio of regional technology clusters that are spearheading the development of critical technologies across the country. The latest NSF Engines awards span critical technologies and applications ranging from enhancing energy grid security to maximizing the yield of critical mineral mining extraction to advancing quantum computing.
Each team will initially receive an award of $15 million over two years. Teams that demonstrate progress on well-defined milestones will have the potential to eventually receive up to $160 million each from NSF over the next decade.
Robust partnerships
Deep collaborations across a wide range of partners, including industry, academia, government, nonprofits, civil society and communities of practice.
Accountable leadership
Strong, CEO-led organization with accountability to a governance board, regional stakeholders and NSF.
Regional economic impact
Co-design and co-creation of research and development (R&D) and translation activities with direct impact on the end users in the Engine's region of service.
Culture of innovation
A nimble organization that engages in use-inspired R&D that adapts to changing societal and economic needs.
Opportunities for All Americans
Open opportunities to regions and Americans to engage in R&D and workforce development activities.
Comprehensive workforce development
Workforce development initiatives to train and educate technicians, researchers, practitioners, and entrepreneurs to meet regional workforce needs.