Amarillo consortium is a semifinalist for $160 million NSF Engines grant
An Amarillo consortium, spearheaded by the Innovation Outpost and joined by Amarillo College and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, is still in the running for a $160 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The Texas Panhandle Innovation Engine (TPIE) is among the list of 34 semifinalists just announced for the inaugural NSF Regional Innovation Engines competition (NSF Engines). This fall, five of the semifinalists will be awarded grants of up to $160 million each, spread out over 10 years.
The NSF program aims to fund regional coalitions of partnering organizations to establish NSF Engines that will catalyze technology and science-based regional innovation ecosystems. Each Engine must focus on addressing specific aspects of a major societal and/or economic challenge that are of significant interest in the Engine’s defined “region of service." The mission of the Engine must be clearly rooted in regional interests and the development of regional talent.
"Each of these NSF Engines semifinalists represents an emerging hub of innovation and lends their talents and resources to form the fabric of NSF's vision to create opportunities everywhere and enable innovation anywhere," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "These teams will spring ideas, talent, pathways and resources to create vibrant innovation ecosystems all across our nation."
The purpose and vision of Amarillo’s consortium – the TPIE – is to develop regionally driven, internationally relevant research and technologies to address challenges to food production and safety by leading a process of technological co-invention focused on enhancing resilience in beef, dairy, fiber, and forage production.
TPIE leverages the originality of the Panhandle’s food industries, academic research base, and workforce training to build an innovation engine from use-inspired research programs, talent development, and technology commercialization.
According to Todd McLees, TPIE project director and managing partner of the Innovation Outpost, TPIE’s commitment to an innovation ecosystem is demonstrated by industry engagement that leverages expertise from a network of producers. Business incubators, accelerators, and other early-stage services enable entrepreneurial growth. TPIE catalyzes educational and upskilling opportunities that specifically support growth of region-specific technology companies. This ensures that the Panhandle ecosystem can attract and retain talent at a rate that drives global adoption of TPIE innovations
TPIE’s impact on the regional community will include economic revitalization through investments in new companies and technology education, while improving economic upward mobility; its broader impact will be to mitigate inflationary costs, improve food safety, and provide greater security for the United States.
During the next stage, NSF will interview each team to assess their proposed leadership's ability to rapidly mobilize in the first two years; their competitive advantages; and budget and resources for their planned research and development, translation and workforce development efforts. Those selected to move to the final round in July will be interviewed in person to assess risks and committed resources, as well as the team's ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Semifinalists not selected to receive an NSF Engine award may be considered for an NSF Engine Development Award of up to $1 million over two years.