The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) recently announced it will provide $15 million in initial funding each to 12 new Regional Innovation Engines for two years, aiming to establish technology clusters, workforce programs, and regional economies across 20 states. This is the second cohort of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program. The alliances are led by universities and involve non-profit organizations, private enterprises, workforce organizations, and regional partners.
The technology areas covered by these projects include artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, critical materials, biotechnology, and energy infrastructure. Each alliance will use the initial funding to expand research, promote technology deployment, and train workers for emerging jobs. Teams that meet established milestones could receive up to $160 million in cumulative NSF funding over the next decade.
Lead universities 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 alliances are led by research and regional organizations that collaborate with research-intensive higher education institutions.
“These new NSF Engines will transform America’s innovation infrastructure, helping ensure our national competitiveness in technology sectors and future industries, which is crucial for economic and national security for decades to come,” said NSF Acting Director Brian Stone.
University-Led Regional Technology Alliances
The NSF FAST Engine, led by Oregon State University, will use AI to accelerate semiconductor design, improve manufacturing processes, and shorten product development cycles. The alliance aims to achieve fully automated chip design and AI-driven chip manufacturing control systems.
The NSF Quantum Technology Engine, led by the University of Connecticut, will support applied research, technology commercialization, and workforce development in quantum sensing, secure communications, computing, and materials.
The NSF IMPACT Engine, led by Indiana University, will connect the state’s orthopedics industry, universities, and health data resources to build an integrated musculoskeletal dataset, supporting new therapies, implants, and AI diagnostics, while training workers for related jobs.
The NSF Critical Materials Cross-Cutting Engine, led by the University of Missouri–Kansas City, will strengthen domestic production capacity for critical materials used in transportation, energy, communications, and national security.
The NSF Critical Minerals Accelerator Engine, led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, will combine mining technology, AI exploration, and bio-mining to provide training and career pathways across the state, including remote areas.
AI and Advanced Manufacturing Across the Portfolio
Artificial intelligence appears in the technology plans of most new NSF Engines, often combined with 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 material design and manufacturing of polymers, chemicals, coatings, and metals.
The NSF BRIDGES engine led by the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology will utilize regional crops for bio-based manufacturing, serving the automotive, construction, and packaging industries, with technologies covering AI, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.
The NSF RuralSTAMINA biomanufacturing engine led by Iowa State University will leverage 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 in the Carolinas; its training programs will cultivate talent for jobs related to grid infrastructure, energy security, AI development, and advanced manufacturing.
The NSF RETI engine led by West Virginia University (in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and the American Research Impact Alliance) will develop digital twins, energy storage, cybersecurity controls, and microgrids, while expanding workforce programs in West Virginia and western Pennsylvania.
Funding contingent on milestone progress
The remaining projects cover seafood technology and laser systems.
The NSF Seafood engine led by the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems will connect blue technology companies with the seafood industry, with technology areas including AI, biotechnology, robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing.
The NSF STELLAR engine led by the University of Rochester will connect more than 150 laser and photonics companies with research, commercialization, and workforce partners to develop laser applications in manufacturing, defense, communications, and healthcare.