NSF Convergence Accelerator Regional Expansion Event | Midwest – Chicago

Accelerate use-inspired solutions toward societal impact

Please join us on May 29 for the NSF Convergence Accelerator Regional Expansion Event | Midwest - Chicago.


The NSF Convergence Accelerator is expanding to 10 regionally focused NSF Convergence Accelerators to enhance national and regional competitiveness in innovation and research. This network of regional anchors will expand the geography of innovation through the promotion of convergence research, increasing NSF’s reach to engage more researchers and scaling the delivery of use-inspired solutions to benefit the region and nation.

As a part of this effort, the NSF Convergence Accelerator is conducting a series of outreach events to share the expansion with interested organizations and individuals. The events will bring attendees from academia, industry, nonprofits, government and other communities of practice together to begin solving the region’s most complex challenges. These complex challenges cannot be solved without multiple disciplines and expertise coming together. The NSF Convergence Accelerator program model has been designed to help build upon basic research and discovery to accelerate tangible, use-inspired solutions.

Event Highlights

Program and expansion overview. Gain a comprehensive understanding of NSF, the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships and the NSF Convergence Accelerator. Our team will explain the program’s unique structure, which converges multiple disciplines, expertise and sectors to accelerate solutions that make a difference in the lives of American citizens.

Regional Anchor opportunity. Explore the pivotal role of a Regional Anchor, designed to execute the NSF Convergence Accelerator's program model at the regional level and ensure the overall experience is consistent with the national program. Learn more about how the regional expansion will drive innovation and foster partnerships at the local level.

Partnering opportunities. Discover how the NSF Convergence Accelerator will support and strengthen cross-cutting partnerships toward addressing important regional and national challenges. Learn about the many opportunities to partner with academia, industry, nonprofits, government, and other communities of practice within your region.

Panel discussions. Engage with NSF Convergence Accelerator funded teams in candid conversations. Hear from these members first-hand about their experiences with the NSF Convergence Accelerator program and the results and impact of their projects.

Dynamic networking opportunities. Connect with other innovators, collaborators and thought leaders who have similar ideas on nurturing the innovation ecosystem. Understand the dynamics of regional impact and forge lasting partnerships.

This unique opportunity for organizations to become part of a successful convergent program also presents a paradigm shift in research—grounded by human-centered design, customer discovery, team science and communications, storytelling and pitching—that drives innovative, use-inspired research that directly impacts the lives of America citizens, the innovation ecosystem and U.S. competitiveness.

The NSF Convergence Accelerator Midwest Regional Expansion Events are open to interested individuals and organizations from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Register now to be part of the initial expansion events in Minneapolis, Omaha, or Chicago. We invite you to share this information with colleagues who may be interested, but please only register for one event to allow space for all interested individuals to attend.

Location

Chicago
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Downtown
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
12 p.m. – 5 p.m. CT
Light refreshments will be offered
Cost: Free

Agenda
12 – 1 p.m. Registration and Networking
1 – 1:05 p.m. Welcome
1:05 – 1:20 p.m. NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) Overview
1:20 – 1:45 p.m. NSF Convergence Accelerator Overview
1:45 – 2:30 p.m. NSF-Funded Teams Panel Session
2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Break
2:45 – 3:15 p.m. Other Arrangement Contract Overview
3:15 – 4 p.m. Q&A
4 – 5 p.m. Networking Session

Parking
Self-parking is available at the hotel and is at the attendee’s expense. Parking is $65 USD per day.

Public Transportation
The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is accessible using the Chicago Metro Transit system. Use the trip planner feature here to map out the best route for arrival.

Accessibility Commitment

We strive to make our events accessible to all. For accessibility accommodations, please email rarequest@nsf.gov and copy nsf-ca-support@aptiveresource.com as soon as possible, but before Friday, May 10, 2024.

Questions? Need more information?

For event-specific questions, please contact nsf-ca-support@aptiveresources.com.

For information about the Convergence Accelerator program, please contact Convergence-Accelerator@nsf.gov.

About the U.S. NSF Convergence Accelerator

Launched in 2019, the NSF Convergence Accelerator—a TIP program—builds upon NSF's investment in basic research and discovery to accelerate solutions toward societal and economic impact. The program's multidisciplinary teams use convergence research fundamentals and innovation processes to stimulate innovative idea sharing and development of sustainable solutions. For more information about the program, visit new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/convergence-accelerator.

About the Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate

TIP harnesses the nation's vast and diverse talent pool to accelerate critical and emerging technologies and address pressing societal and economic challenges. The directorate comprises three primary focus areas: fostering innovation and technology ecosystems; establishing translation pathways; and partnering across sectors to improve U.S. competitiveness, grow the U.S. economy and engage and train a diverse workforce for future, high-wage jobs. For more information about TIP, visit new.nsf.gov/tip/latest.