NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines)
National Science Foundation
NSF Engines funds regional coalitions of industry, academia, government, nonprofits, and community organizations to build innovation ecosystems around a specific technology or industry focus, aiming to make the region a globally competitive hub within about a decade.
Objectives
Close the gap between federally funded research and regional economic growth by funding multi-year, multi-institution partnerships rather than individual companies — the same instinct as the earlier Build to Scale program, at a much larger scale and time horizon.
Who can apply?
- Applicants are multi-institutional regional teams (a lead institution plus partner universities, companies, nonprofits, and local government), not individual startups applying directly.
- A founder benefits by joining, partnering with, or being served by an NSF Engine operating in their region and technology area.
- NSF Engines Development Awards (Type-1) are a lower-barrier first step for teams not yet ready for a full Engine award.
What do you get?
- Type-1 Development Awards: up to $1M over up to 2 years, to help a region form a team and plan.
- Full NSF Engines: start at roughly $15M over the first 2 years, scaling to up to $160M over 10 years for teams that hit milestones.
- The first 9 inaugural Engines drew more than $2B in matching commitments from industry, philanthropy, and state/local government.
How to apply
Individual founders don't apply directly — check NSF's Regional Innovation Engines page for an active Engine in your region and technology area, or join a regional coalition applying for a new one.