Initiative overview
Launched in May 2022 by NSF's Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) and authorised under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. The programme targets geographically underserved regions that have not fully participated in the technology boom of recent decades. Awards follow a phased model: Type-1 Development Awards (up to USD 1M for up to 2 years) support groundwork and partnerships; Type-2 awards (up to USD 160M over up to 10 years) fund full Engine development across nascent, emergent, and growth phases. In May 2023, 44 development awards were made; in January 2024, 10 inaugural full Engine awards were announced covering 18 states. Each Engine is led by a full-time CEO and covers use-inspired research, technology translation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, community engagement, and ecosystem building. AI is a key technology focus area alongside semiconductors, biotechnology, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. NSF investment has already been matched 2-to-1 by private, philanthropic, and other government sources.



























