NSF awards 12 new Regional Innovation Engines to fuel research, jobs and economic growth nationwide

July 15, 2026 - 04:17

The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced its latest round of funding for 12 new Regional Innovation Engines, a program designed to accelerate research, create jobs, and drive economic growth. These awards will support teams spanning 20 states, focusing on turning scientific discoveries into real-world products and services.

Each NSF Engine will build and scale local innovation ecosystems by connecting universities, industry partners, nonprofits, and government agencies. The goal is to address critical national challenges in areas like advanced manufacturing, climate resilience, biotechnology, and semiconductors. By concentrating resources in specific regions, the program aims to strengthen the country's competitive edge while ensuring that economic benefits reach communities often left out of tech booms.

The 12 newly selected teams will each receive up to $15 million over the first two years, with the potential for continued funding. The NSF expects these hubs to generate thousands of high-skilled jobs and foster startups that commercialize cutting-edge research. Officials emphasized that the initiative is not just about lab work but about building durable networks that keep talent and investment in the United States.

This expansion brings the total number of NSF Engines to 34, reflecting a broader federal push to decentralize innovation away from traditional coastal hubs. The program is part of the CHIPS and Science Act, which authorized billions in new spending for science and technology. By planting these engines in diverse regions, the NSF hopes to create a more resilient and inclusive national research landscape.