Governor Parson Congratulates Missouri Higher Education Institutions on Advancing in NSF Engines Competition

Jefferson City - On November 1, 2024, Governor Mike Parson congratulated four Missouri higher education institutions upon advancing, as part of teams, in the U.S. National Science Foundation's Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program. The advancing institutions include the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), and Washington University in St. Louis (WashU).

"We are excited that out of 71 teams advancing in this national competition, Missouri is home to four of them," Governor Parson said. "Missouri's technology sector is budding and growing, and these teams will help us continue the exceptional work we have done to develop our workforce, strengthen our infrastructure, and emerge as a technological leader. We congratulate our higher education institutions, as well as their application partners, on the incredible work that has gotten them to this point, and we trust that Missouri innovation will win the day, potentially securing these NSF Engine designations for our state."

“We are proud that researchers at UMKC, S&T, and UMSL are among just 71 teams across the country invited to submit full proposals for the NSF Engines program,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “Key to their success is Governor Parson and his incredible commitment to innovation, workforce development, and infrastructure growth. We are grateful for his strong support and for this opportunity to impact our state and region.”

“WashU and our partner BioSTL are proud of our long-standing relationship with the NSF and pleased to be among the Missouri institutions invited to submit a full proposal for the engines competition," WashU Chancellor Andrew Martin said. "We’re grateful to the NSF for its consideration, as well as to Governor Parson and our partners in Jefferson City whose support allows us to push the boundaries of what’s possible to benefit all Missourians. We’re excited for the opportunity to contribute to our regional workforce ecosystem with this potential federal funding.”

“We are proud that these four institutions are proposing innovative approaches to meet emerging technological needs of key industries," Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, said. "Their creative efforts support our employers and present expanded opportunities for Missourians to access family-sustaining jobs.”

The four Missouri proposals are listed below:

- Missouri S&T - Engine for Midwest Mobility Innovation and Technology
- UMKC - Critical Materials Crossroads Energy Materials Ecosystem
- UMSL - Reshoring KSM and API Manufacturing Through Innovation
- WashU - Neuroscience Engine to Unlock Regional Opportunity

Under the current NSF Engines funding opportunity, organizations were required to submit a letter of intent to demonstrate their interest in applying. NSF published data from the letters in July 2024. Teams were then required to submit preliminary proposals by August 6, describing how their proposed NSF Engines aim to build partnerships that will advance use-inspired and translational research in key technology areas and address pressing challenges while creating new pathways for the workforce in their regions. The 71 NSF Engines teams that have advanced will submit full proposals by February 2025.

The NSF Engines program aims to foster cross-sector connections, particularly engaging organizations that may not typically work together or submit to NSF funding opportunities. Nonprofits, foundations, state and local governments, tribal nations, community organizations and investors have all expressed interest in connecting with emerging NSF Engines. By publishing the 71 invited teams, NSF aims to create opportunities across the U.S. for additional individuals and organizations to connect with prospective submitters (within one's region of service and beyond) to share expertise, exchange resources, provide capital and more.

About NSF Engines

Launched by the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, the NSF Engines program envisions flourishing regional innovation ecosystems all across the country, providing a unique opportunity to accelerate technology development and spur economic growth in regions that have not fully participated in the technology boom of the past few decades. Each NSF Engine comprises robust partnerships rooted in scientific and technological innovation to positively impact the economy within a geographic region, address societal, national, and geostrategic challenges, and ultimately advance U.S. competitiveness and security.