The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded 12 new Regional Innovation Engines $15 million each over two years to develop technology clusters, workforce programs and regional economies across 20 states.
The second cohort of NSF Regional Innovation Engines brings universities together with nonprofits, private companies, workforce organizations and regional partners. The projects cover technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, critical materials, biotechnology and energy infrastructure.
Each coalition will use its initial funding to expand research, move technologies toward deployment and prepare workers for emerging jobs in its region. Teams that meet defined milestones could eventually receive up to $160 million each from NSF over the next decade.
Universities leading the new engines include Indiana University, Iowa State University, Oregon State University, the University of Connecticut, the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Rochester. Other coalitions are led by research and regional organizations working with higher education partners.
Brian Stone, performing the duties of NSF director, says: “These new NSF Engines will be transformational for America’s innovation infrastructure — helping secure our national competitiveness in technologies and future industries that will be critical to our economic and national security for decades to come.”
Universities lead regional technology coalitions
The NSF FAST Engine in Oregon, led by Oregon State University, will use artificial intelligence to accelerate semiconductor design, improve manufacturing processes and shorten product development cycles. NSF says the coalition is working toward fully automated chip design and AI-driven control systems for chip fabrication.
In Connecticut, the University of Connecticut will lead the NSF Quantum Technologies Engine. The project will support applied research, technology commercialization and workforce development across quantum sensing, secure communications, computing and materials.
Indiana University will lead the NSF IMPACT Engine, which will connect the state’s orthopedic industry, universities and health data resources. The coalition plans to build an integrated musculoskeletal dataset to support new therapies, implants and AI-powered diagnostics while training workers for related roles.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City will lead the NSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine, linking research, production and workforce organizations to strengthen domestic critical materials capacity for transportation, energy, communications and national security.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks will lead the NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine. Its work will combine mining technologies, AI-enabled exploration and biomining with training and career pathways for communities across Alaska, including remote areas.
AI and advanced manufacturing run across the portfolio
Artificial intelligence features in the technology plans of most of the new NSF Engines, often alongside advanced manufacturing, biotechnology or energy.
The NSF NEO-SMART Engine, led by Case Western Reserve University with more than 70 regional partners, will apply AI and machine learning to materials design and manufacturing across polymers, chemicals, coatings and metals.
In Alabama and Tennessee, the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology will lead the NSF BRIDGES Engine. The coalition will use regional crops in biobased manufacturing for the automotive, construction and packaging industries, with technology work spanning AI, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
Iowa State University will lead the NSF RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine across Iowa and Nebraska. The project will use agricultural resources and biomass to develop fuels, medicinal chemicals and industrial materials while expanding rural manufacturing and employment.
The NSF Grid Modernization Engine, led by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, will connect utilities, manufacturers and testing facilities across the Carolinas. Its training programs will prepare workers for roles linked to grid infrastructure, energy security, AI growth and advanced manufacturing.
West Virginia University will lead the NSF RETI Engine with the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and the U.S. Research Impact Alliance. The coalition will develop digital twins, energy storage, cyber-secure controls and microgrids while expanding workforce programs across West Virginia and western Pennsylvania.
Funding depends on progress against milestones
The remaining projects cover seafood technology and laser systems.
The Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems will lead the NSF Seafood Engine in New England, bringing blue-tech companies together with the seafood industry. Its technology areas include AI, biotechnology, robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing.
The University of Rochester will lead the NSF STELLAR Engine in New York’s Rochester and Finger Lakes region. It will connect more than 150 laser and photonics companies with research, commercialization and workforce partners to develop laser applications for manufacturing, defense, communications and health care.
NSF says its nine inaugural Regional Innovation Engines received an initial combined investment of $135 million and have since attracted more than $2 billion in matching commitments from private industry, philanthropy and state and local governments. Those engines are working in fields including chipmaking, artificial intelligence, agriculture, disaster preparedness and energy storage.
The 12 new teams will now begin their initial two-year awards. Access to further NSF funding, potentially reaching $160 million for each engine over 10 years, will depend on progress against the program’s milestones.