NSF Convergence Accelerator 2023 Cohort Phases 1 and 2 for Tracks K, L, and M Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

Amendment 04 This amendment provides responses to questions submitted regarding the BAA via an attachment. No changes were made to the BAA itself.

Amendment 03 This amendment provides responses to questions submitted regarding the BAA via an attachment. No changes were made to the BAA itself.

Amendment 02 This amendment updates some of the requirements for phase II proposal submission and assessment. Please see the amended solicitation document which highlights all changes from the prior versions of this document.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator program addresses national-scale societal challenges through use-inspired convergence research. Using a convergence approach and innovation processes like human-centered design, user discovery, as well as team science and integration of multidisciplinary research, the Convergence Accelerator program seeks to transition basic research and discovery into practice—to solve high-impact societal challenges aligned with specific research themes— Track K: Equitable Water Solutions;

Track L: Real-World Chemical Sensing Applications; and Track M: Bio-Inspired Design Innovations. NSF Convergence Accelerator track themes are chosen in concordance with the themes identified during the program’s ideation process that aligns with topics that have the potential for significant national impact. The NSF Convergence Accelerator implements a two-phase program.

Phase 1 awardees receive resources to further develop their convergence research ideas into an initial proof of concept and to identify important partnerships and resources to accelerate their projects. Phase 2 awardees receive significant resources leading to deliverable research prototypes and sustainability plans.

The purpose of the NSF Convergence Accelerator is to provide research opportunities to U.S. for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education, and their partners, to conduct a variety of research projects that will support the strategic objectives of the NSF. The NSF Convergence Accelerator implements a two-phase program.

Both phases of the program’s convergence research are described in this Broad Agency Announcement and the corresponding program solicitation that can be found here: (https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf23590). The purpose of this BAA is to provide increased opportunities for proposals that are led by for?profit, non-profit or similar organizations.

Proposals that are led by Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies and similar organizations should respond to the parallel solicitation. Note that while full proposals are due on August 22, 2023, offerors must first submit a Letter of Intent to Propose by July 11, 2023 in order to be eligible to submit a full Phase 1 proposal. Informational Webinars for?the?2023 NSF Phase 1 and 2 for?2023 Cohort?

Join an NSF Convergence Accelerator webinar – scheduled for May 25 and June 6, 2023 – to learn about the program?and?the current funding opportunity.

During the webinars, participants will learn about the program’s model and fundamentals, including the program’s phased approach and innovation processes used to accelerate basic research into practice; and the?solicitation?opportunity?and?the research track focuses, required Convergence Accelerator key components (e.g., end-users, impact, convergence, acceleration, and deliverables), and important submission information.

The goal of these?webinars?is to create awareness of this exciting opportunity to?develop?use-inspired solutions?to have a positive impact on?national and?societal challenges.??? Optional 30-minute Track Breakouts At 4:30 p.m. EDT, join us for an optional 30-minute breakout session featuring the three track topics.?Here you can ask additional questions and engage with similarly-interested stakeholders and researchers to potentially assist you in forming your team and formulating your proposal.

When: May 25, 2023 and June 6, 2023 from 3 – 5 p.m. EDT.

Registration Website: To participate in an informational webinar, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/nsf-convergence-accelerator-32255371071