A cross-sector coalition led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange has advanced in the US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program. NSF Engines announced that 71 teams—including Advancing Quantum Technologies in the Midwest, which aims to grow the Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana region into one of the world’s foremost quantum innovation and economic zones—are moving to the next stage of the competition. In April, the NSF announced a $1 million development award for the coalition.
The NSF Engines program, developed as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, seeks to catalyze and foster innovation ecosystems across the United States to advance critical technologies, such as quantum technologies; address pressing national and societal challenges; cultivate partnerships across industry, academia, government, nonprofits, civil society and communities of practice; promote and stimulate economic growth and job creation; and spur regional innovation and talent.
The teams selected to submit full proposals stand to build upon an inaugural cohort of regions nationwide that are bringing technology-driven economic and workforce development to all parts of the United States.
"The breadth and depth of preliminary proposals submitted to the NSF Engines funding opportunity demonstrates both the very real need for and the potential of harnessing the full geography of innovation across our nation," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, in the recent release. "The teams invited to submit a full proposal have shown through their preliminary proposal submissions how they will knit together innovative ideas, talent and resources in their respective regions to accelerate the development of key technologies. Collectively, they are well positioned to directly contribute to strengthening our nation's competitiveness and security for the mid-21st century."
As part of this next stage, Advancing Quantum Technologies in the Midwest is holding three Voice of the Community workshops in Chicago, IL, Urbana, IL, and Madison, WI throughout November.