The National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator program addresses national-scale societal challenges through use-inspired convergence research. Using a convergence approach and innovation processes like human-centered design, user discovery, and team science and integration of multidisciplinary research, the Convergence Accelerator program seeks to transition basic research and discovery into practice — to solve high-impact societal challenges aligned with specific research themes (tracks).
NSF Convergence Accelerator tracks are chosen in concordance with the themes identified during the program's ideation process that have the potential for significant national impact. The NSF Convergence Accelerator implements a two-phase program. Both phases are described in this solicitation and are covered by this single solicitation and corresponding Broad Agency Announcement. The link to the Broad Agency Announcement can be found here. The purpose of this parallel activity is to provide increased opportunities for proposals that are led by non-academic entities. Proposals that are led by Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), non-profits, independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies and similar organizations should respond to this solicitation. Proposals led by for-profit or similar organizations should respond to the BAA. Phase 1 awardees receive resources to further develop their convergence research ideas and to identify important partnerships and resources to accelerate their projects. Phase 2 awardees receive significant resources leading to deliverable research prototypes and sustainability plans.
This solicitation is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Defense (DOD) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense – Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) 5G Initiative and the Army Research Laboratory (ARL). For this track, DOD OUSD(R&E) is partnering with NSF to develop joint strategic interests that simultaneously address convergence research and serve mission needs of the 5G to NextG Initiative. DOD OUSD(R&E) will participate in reviewing reports and deliverables, participate in Principal Investigator (PI) meetings and the innovation curriculum, and work with NSF on transitioning results into practice.
Awards:
Standard Grant or Cooperative Agreement
Anticipated Funding Amount:
$12,500,000
Letter of Intent:
Letter of Intent (required for Phase 1 Full Proposals only) by February 16, 2022
Full Proposal Submission Deadline:
April 12, 2022: Phase 1 Full Proposals
April 04, 2023: Phase 2 Full Proposals, only Phase 1 awardees are eligible to apply
Contacts:
Douglas Maughan, telephone: (703) 292-2497, email: dmaughan@nsf.gov
Lara A. Campbell, telephone: (703) 292-7049, email: lcampbel@nsf.gov
Aurali E. Dade, telephone: (703) 292-7468, email: adade@nsf.gov
