NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY invests in 50 teams to advance edtech innovation springing from learning challenges

The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) announced the first-ever Fostering Interdisciplinary Network Driven Educationally Responsive Solutions Foundry (NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY) investment of nearly $2.5 million to 50 interdisciplinary teams spanning K-12 formal and informal learning spaces. The teams bring together educator communities, including technologists and researchers from institutions across the country, to develop solutions to some of education’s most persistent and pressing challenges.

With support from the NSF Directorate for STEM Education (NSF EDU) and philanthropic partners, including the Walton Family Foundation, the NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program aims to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration among educators, caregivers (including parents or guardians), technologists and researchers to design evidence-based innovations.

The FINDERS FOUNDRY program has two award phases: planning and development. Teams used the FINDERS FOUNDRY Dashboard to select a challenge track in direct response to students, educators and families, designing an initial wireframe to illustrate their solution. Funded activities may include stakeholder engagement, data collection, pilot testing and early validation.

The 50 selected teams — over 20% of whom are from EPSCoR jurisdictions and territories — are receiving $50,000 two-month planning awards and are also eligible to submit development proposals.

NSF will further invest in an estimated 20 development awards, each up to $300,000 for one year. Based on continuous input from K-12 learners, parents or guardians, and educators, development proposals will focus on building and refining prototypes. Development projects are expected to demonstrate progress through key milestones: wireframe validation, prototype testing and minimum viable prototypes for launch and public showcase.

"NSF is pleased to offer these first-ever FINDERS FOUNDRY awards, which are helping to shape the future of education and preparing talent to become active participants in driving emerging technologies and the rapidly evolving digital economy," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for TIP. "FINDERS FOUNDRY aims to strengthen K-12 learning and help build a skilled workforce."

“NSF aims to prepare and support students for the digital, AI-driven future,” said Monya Ruffin, acting NSF directorate head for EDU. “These interdisciplinary teams will build student curiosity, understanding and readiness for future STEM careers.”

FINDERS FOUNDRY emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and participation in the design process, thereby enabling the co-creation of more effective and engaging solutions to improve teaching and learning. The program aligns with national priorities, including Executive Order 14277, "Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth," which aims to advance AI competency and skills across all learning pathways and strengthen K-12 education and the broader U.S. STEM education and workforce readiness.

To view the full award list, visit NSF's website. For additional program details and the timeline, visit the NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY solicitation.