Sen. Cramer: NSF Announces Nearly $1 Million to UND Through Regional Innovation Engines Development Awards

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) applauded the National Science Foundation (NSF) for awarding $992,699 for two years to the University of North Dakota through the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, the first of its kind. The funding was distributed to 43 other teams at universities, nonprofits, businesses, and other organizations across the United States.

“Congratulations to UND for receiving this monumental award. This is another feather in the cap of our state’s growing leadership in autonomous systems,” said Senator Cramer. “Partnering with northern states and the Tribal Nations Research Group is an incredible opportunity to show off North Dakota’s excellence in science and technology.”

 Background: 

The NSF Engines Program was officially launched by NSF’s new Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. The program was created to advance the nation’s science and technology research and development efforts and resources throughout the region.

The program has two types of awards. Type-1 awards provide up to $1 million for up to two years, and Type-2 awards provide up to $160 million for up to 10 years. The first round of Type-2 awards is expected in the fall and will fund NSF Engines across three distinct phases – the nascent, emergent, and growth phases.