US (Washington Insider Magazine) — The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced a major expansion of its Convergence Accelerator program, growing from a national initiative into 10 distinct regional hubs. This move aims to enhance research, innovation, and workforce development by leveraging the diverse talent and expertise across the U.S.
Regional Focus for National Impact
The expansion will foster regional innovation ecosystems, connecting researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to address critical societal and economic challenges. Each region will host events to build awareness, facilitate collaboration, and engage local communities.
NSF Assistant Director Erwin Gianchandani emphasized, “This expansion allows NSF to harness the geography of innovation, increasing diversity and delivering impactful solutions nationwide.”
Timeline and Regions
The rollout spans three stages over the next three years, starting in 2024 with events in the Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast. Regions such as the Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northwest will follow, concluding with the West and Central regions by 2027.
Key regional expansion events:
- Midwest (May 2024): Events in Minneapolis, Omaha, and Chicago.
- Southeast (July 2024): Covering states like Florida and Georgia.
- Northeast (October 2024): Includes Massachusetts, New York, and more.
Opportunities for Stakeholders
Regional events will provide networking opportunities for academia, industry, and government. NSF is seeking regional “anchors” to lead these efforts while encouraging participation from researchers and innovators.
Shelby Smith, NSF’s program expansion lead, stated, “This is a unique chance for stakeholders to engage with NSF and help shape the innovation landscape.”
About the Convergence Accelerator
Launched in 2019, the NSF Convergence Accelerator integrates multidisciplinary research and innovation processes to transform ideas into actionable solutions. The program’s expansion will amplify its impact, ensuring the benefits reach every corner of the nation.
For event registration and updates, visit NSF’s Convergence Accelerator website and subscribe to their email list.
This initiative underscores NSF’s commitment to fostering inclusive innovation and addressing national challenges through collaboration and creativity.
