Three Oregon universities are among 44 winners nationwide of $1 million grants that dangle the promise of new economic development in the areas of mass timber, semiconductors and smart grids in the region.
The National Science Foundation “Regional Innovation Engines” awards to the University of Oregon, Oregon State University and Portland State University flow from last year’s CHIPS and Science Act.
Recipients are expected to use the two-year grants to lay the groundwork for connecting researchers, institutions and companies in a regional innovation ecosystem. They could then be eligible for grants of up to $160 million for 10 years to flesh out their programs.
The University of Oregon project will focus on mass timber, a manufactured wood product gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete. Partners include Oregon State and Washington State University.
Oregon State’s project is aimed at semiconductors, already a powerful economic engine in Oregon. Dubbed “Advancing Semiconductor Technologies in the Northwest,” partners include the University of Washington, Boise State University, the Oregon Business Council and the city of Hillsboro.
Portland State will lead a team working to bring the smart grid to reality. These are digital technologies that have been inching into use but are expected to be vital in the hastening transition to clean energy resources.
"These NSF Engines Development Awards lay the foundation for emerging hubs of innovation and potential future NSF Engines," NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan said in a statement. "These awardees are part of the fabric of NSF's vision to create opportunities everywhere and enable innovation anywhere. They will build robust regional partnerships rooted in scientific and technological innovation in every part of our nation. Through these planning awards, NSF is seeding the future for in-place innovation in communities and to grow their regional economies through research and partnerships. This will unleash ideas, talent, pathways and resources to create vibrant innovation ecosystems all across our nation."
