National Science Foundation (NSF) Engines Program is looking to stimulate regional innovation ecosystems of STEM-based economic growth.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched a competitive call to create Regional Innovation Engines that stimulate regional economic growth through the development of innovation ecosystems, a $160 million, 10-year commitment.
We want the Chicago region to be the exemplar of a Life Science Innovation Ecosystem that works for all, enabling everyone to live their healthiest lives.
CALL TO ACTION
As neutral conveners and liaisons to the life science community, Walder Foundation, P33, Chicago Biomedical Consortium (CBC), World Business Chicago (WBC), and the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) submitted a Type II concept outline focused on life sciences and health equity, the CHI-BASE (Collaborative Hub Innovating Biology in Action across Scale and Ecosystem) Engine. NSF has invited us to submit a full proposal, due on January 23, 2023.
In a region and nation plagued with health disparities, a thriving, inclusive life science innovation ecosystem that works for all is an urgent imperative. We believe the Chicago region’s burgeoning life science sector and geographic location in America’s heartland position the CHI-BASE Engine to become an exemplar of an inclusive innovation ecosystem with excellence and equity at its core.
To learn more, join the conversation:
DATE: Wednesday, September 7, 2022
TIME: 11 A.M. - 1 P.M. CT
PLEASE RSVP TO INDICATE YOUR AVAILABILITY.
ABOUT THE MEETING
We invite you to join us for the second virtual convening with existing and potential partners on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. CT. The goals of this CHI-BASE Engine convening are to:
Review the CHI-BASE Engine concept and proposal development timeline and process.
Form working groups and kick-off the development or formal cross-partner collaborations to design this engine and bring this proposal to life.
We encourage individuals from any organization with a life science innovation and/or health equity focus to attend this convening to learn more and become part of the CHI-BASE Engine Ecosystem.
If you join this conversation, you are not committed to being an Engine partner just yet, but you will have the opportunity to bring your voice and wisdom to the design and development of the proposal. In our role as neutral conveners, Walder Foundation, P33, Chicago Biomedical Consortium (CBC), World Business Chicago (WBC), and the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) will continue to liaise with Chicago Region life science ecosystem stakeholders and shepherd the development of this proposal.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This NSF opportunity is unique in that all types of organizations are eligible to form a coalition, such as for-profits, nonprofits, government agencies, start-ups, academic institutions, and community advisory groups. In order to realize our and the NSF’s program goals, the CHI-BASE Engine coalition needs to include partners that can contribute and benefit across the three core functions:
Use-inspired scientific and technical research.
Translation of innovation results to society.
Workforce development to grow and sustain regional innovation.
ABOUT NSF ENGINES
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has created the Regional Innovation Engines Program to promote science and technology research and development, making the U.S. more competitive on a global scale. This program encourages regions of the U.S. to leverage their unique resources and creativity to collaboratively create an NSF Engine.
Through the NSF Engines Program, NSF hopes to advance critical technologies, address national and societal challenges, and foster partnerships across all businesses from industry to academia to community organizations. This program has three core functions: the first core function, “use-inspired research,” emphasizes community partnerships and the need to address existing, specific societal demands. The second core function, “translation of innovation results to society” targets the need for academic and research organizations to partner with industry, government, or nonprofits to ensure that groundbreaking advances in the lab reach the community. The third core function is “workforce development to grow and sustain regional innovation” to increase the economic development of the region.
The NSF Engines Program will provide $160 million of funding over 10 years to a region in order to establish an “Engine.” The Regional Engine will encompass the three core functions discussed above to promote and stimulate economic growth, job creation, and regional innovation. The NSF’s goal is to grow and sustain regional innovation ecosystems throughout the United States.
CONTACT
For more information on this CHI-BASE Engine virtual convening, contact Sandra J. Laney, Senior Program Director, Science Innovation at Walder Foundation: science@walderfoundation.org
