The **NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines)** program, solicitation **NSF 24-565**, aims to catalyze sustainable, inclusive, and geographically diverse innovation ecosystems across the United States. The program focuses on accelerating key technologies, addressing regional, national, societal, and geostrategic challenges, driving economic growth, creating high-quality jobs, and supporting equitable workforce development. These efforts are designed to enhance U.S. competitiveness and security while expanding opportunities for underrepresented regions and populations.

NSF Engines are large-scale, place-based initiatives that bring together a **coalition of regional stakeholders**, including government, industry, academic institutions, nonprofits, and community organizations. Each NSF Engine must focus on **use-inspired research**, innovation translation, workforce development, and community engagement to address critical challenges and leverage regional assets. The program emphasizes transforming regions into leading innovation hubs by fostering technology-driven economic growth while ensuring inclusive engagement and equitable pathways for all.

The solicitation establishes a **10-year funding model** for NSF Engines, with an initial two-year **ramp-up period** that can award up to **$15 million**. Over the full 10 years, NSF Engines may receive **up to $160 million**, contingent on performance reviews. Proposals must address foundational components, including a **regional vision**, a clearly defined **region of service**, a **technology focus area**, and a comprehensive **strategic plan**. The plan should integrate the **seven key drivers of ecosystem change**: cross-sector partnerships, use-inspired R&D, innovation translation, workforce development, inclusive engagement, strategic investment, and governance and management.

Eligibility for this opportunity is open to a wide range of U.S.-based entities, including **institutions of higher education**, non-academic nonprofits, for-profit organizations, Tribal Nations, and state and local governments. The Principal Investigator (PI) must serve as the **full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO)** for the NSF Engine, with the CEO role potentially filled by an interim candidate until a permanent leader is appointed. Lead organizations are limited to submitting one proposal, though they may serve as sub-recipients on other proposals.

The submission process includes three distinct phases: a **Letter of Intent (LOI)** due **June 18, 2024**, a required **Preliminary Proposal** due **August 6, 2024**, and a **Full Proposal**, which is by invitation only, due **February 11, 2025**. LOIs and preliminary proposals require letters of commitment and collaboration from key stakeholders, including details on resource contributions (cash or in-kind) and a commitment to long-term support.

NSF will prioritize funding for regions with **less-established innovation ecosystems**, particularly those with untapped potential that can benefit from NSF investment to foster economic growth and technological leadership. The program encourages robust partnerships across sectors and geographical areas, with an emphasis on intentional engagement of underrepresented communities and historically excluded populations. Proposals will undergo a merit review process, considering NSF’s standard criteria of **Intellectual Merit** and **Broader Impacts**, along with additional criteria such as the project’s ability to drive systemic, regional change.

NSF Engines must deliver tangible, measurable outcomes, including the development of new technologies, creation of quality jobs, and fostering of a thriving and inclusive innovation ecosystem. Teams are required to provide detailed annual reporting and will undergo performance reviews to ensure accountability and continued funding eligibility. Proposing teams are encouraged to engage regional stakeholders and leverage existing resources to build a cohesive and impactful vision for regional innovation.