NSF Convergence Accelerator Phase I and II: Sponsor Deadline for Preliminary Proposal

NSF Convergence Accelerator Phase I and II
FAS/SEAS/OSP Deadline for Preliminary Proposal: May 4, 2020
Sponsor Deadline for Preliminary Proposal: May 11, 2020
Award Amount: up to $1M over up to 9 months (Phase I); up to $3,000,000 for year 1 and up to $5,000,000 in total over 2 years (Phase II)

The goals of NSF's convergence accelerator effort are to support and accelerate use-inspired convergence research in areas of national importance within particular topics (tracks). NSF Convergence Accelerator tracks can be related to Industries of the Future (IotF), NSF's Big Ideas, or other topics that may not relate directly to an IotF or Big Idea; however, they must have the potential for significant national impact. The 2020 NSF Convergence Accelerator is a two-phase program. Phase I awardees receive significant resources to further develop their convergence research ideas and identify crucial partnerships and resources to accelerate their projects, leading to deliverable research prototypes in Phase II.

This solicitation invites proposals for the following Tracks:

• Quantum Technology (Track C)
• AI-Driven Innovation via Data and Model Sharing (Track D)

Proposers must first submit a Phase I preliminary proposal in order to be invited to submit a full Phase I proposal. Phase I proposals must describe a team, or a process to build a team, that includes personnel with the appropriate mix of disciplinary and institutional expertise needed to build a Phase II convergence research effort. Phase I proposals must describe one or more deliverables and how those research outputs could impact society by the end of Phase II. Phase I proposals should describe the deliverable and the research plan and team formation efforts that will refine it to a proof-of-concept. Phase I will include NSF-organized convenings for training and intra- and cross-cohort collaboration. Phase I awards are expected to be for up to 9 months and up to $1M each.

Only awardees of Phase I grants under this solicitation may submit a Phase II proposal. Phase II proposers must outline a two-year research and development plan in which research transitions to practice through collaboration with end-users. Phase II proposals must describe clear deliverables that will be produced in two years of effort and the metrics by which impacts will be assessed. The Phase II teams must include appropriate stakeholders (e.g., industry, Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), non-profits, government entities, and others), each with a specific role(s) in facilitating the transition of research outputs into practical uses. Successful proposals will be funded initially for one year. Each team's progress will be assessed during the year through approximately six virtual and in-person meetings with NSF program staff. The overall progress will be evaluated at the end of one year, based on a report and presentation that the team will make to a panel of reviewers. Teams that show significant progress during the first year, in accordance with the agreed timetable of milestones and deliverables, will receive funding for a second year. Teams should plan on completing the effort within two years; no-cost extensions will be authorized only in extraordinary circumstances.