Join the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator for a half-day, in-person, informational session designed to help shape the future of innovation in the Midwest Region.
The NSF Convergence Accelerator Regional Expansion Events in the Midwest Region will gather attendees from academia, industry, nonprofits, government and other communities of practice to begin solving the Midwest Region’s most complex challenges, ones that cannot be solved without multiple disciplines and expertise coming together.
Who should attend?
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. 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.
- Expedite use-inspired research. Are you interested in implementing and expediting use-inspired research to solve complex regional challenges? The NSF Convergence Accelerator Team and NSF-funded teams will share how this expansion will produce solutions, rooted in human needs, with societal and economic impacts.
- Implement a convergence approach. The NSF Convergence Accelerator builds upon basic research and discovery—which, in some cases, may have taken researchers years to establish—to solve complex challenges. This paradigm shift in how research is conducted, from a single focus to a convergent approach, continues to positively impact the careers of participants and benefit the innovation and research community.
- Grow the innovation ecosystem. Research drives the development of innovations that improve our daily lives. The NSF Convergence Accelerator makes the transition from use-inspired research into practical applications as fast and productive as possible. This expansion is an investment in the region’s future to support the growth of the innovation ecosystem and access to resources across the Midwest Region.
Accelerate innovation, discovery and research
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 part of the expansion, a series of events in each region will include:
- 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.
Reserve your spot today! Event programming will take place from 1-5 p.m. CT with registration opening at 12 p.m. CT.
Minneapolis | May 16, 2024, 12 – 5 p.m. CT
Millenium Hotel Minneapolis
Register for Minneapolis
Omaha | May 23, 2024, 12 – 5 p.m. CT
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Omaha Downtown
Register for Omaha
Chicago | May 29, 2024, 12 – 5 p.m. CT
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Register for Chicago
For questions, please email [email protected] or visit our website for more information regarding the NSF Convergence Accelerator program, its expansion efforts and how to join our team.
Please contact [email protected] with event-specific questions.
