NSF Convergence Accelerator Expansion

NSF Convergence Accelerator program image from video: National Science Foundation

In January 2024, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator announced the plan to expand from a single national program to 10 regionally focused NSF Convergence Accelerators.

To celebrate this milestone, the NSF is kicking off the regional expansion with a series of program launch events, beginning with the Midwest Region, which includes Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

NSF Convergence Accelerator expansion events are scheduled to take place in:

• Minneapolis | May 16 | Millennium Minneapolis
• Omaha | May 23 | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Omaha Downtown
• Chicago | May 29 | Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

These in-person, informational sessions will offer attendees from the Midwest region the opportunity to learn how the NSF Convergence Accelerator Regional Expansion will drive innovative, use-inspired research that directly impacts the lives of American citizens and increases U.S. competitiveness.

Best of all, this model will help broaden program participation in all regions, especially in EPSCoR states, by actively engaging some of the “Missing Millions” in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The expansion aims to include these individuals in research that builds upon foundational knowledge to accelerate solutions toward societal and economic impact.

About the NSF Convergence Accelerator

Launched in 2019, the NSF Convergence Accelerator builds upon the NSF investment in basic research and discovery to accelerate solutions toward societal and economic impact. The program’s multidisciplinary teams use convergence research fundamentals and innovation processes to stimulate innovative idea-sharing and the development of sustainable solutions.

The program’s regional expansion will promote convergence research, increase the concentration, proximity and diversity of NSF-funded researchers and practitioners, and scale the delivery of use-inspired solutions to benefit local communities in jurisdictions such as South Dakota.

Help us expand the innovation ecosystem Meeting the shared challenges of the Midwest Region requires coordinated efforts from government, businesses, non-profit organizations, local communities, not to mention assistance from our dedicated network of program stakeholders.

To help this impact, to register for an upcoming expansion event and share this invitation to help ensure the continued expansion of the innovation ecosystem throughout the Midwest.