Funding-Limited Submission - NSF Innovation Corps - Regional Node Program (I-Corps Node) - NSF 12-586; August 16, 2012

The NSF plans to build upon the I-Corps program and establish a National Innovation Network comprised of I-Corps Regional Nodes that support regional needs for innovation education, infrastructure and research. The I-Corps Nodes work cooperatively to establish, utilize and sustain a national innovation ecosystem that further enhances the development of technologies, products and processes that benefit society. The interconnected nodes of this network may be diverse in research areas, resources, tools, programs, capabilities, and in geographic locations, while the network will have the flexibility to grow or reconfigure as needs arise.

PI Limit:  The PI must be an academic Administrative Lead at the level of Dean or higher.

Limited Submission:  An organization may submit only one I-Corps Node proposal.

Additional Eligibility Information:  A competitive proposal for an I-Corps Node will be led by an institution having an already existing unit whose goal is to assist faculty, students and other academic personnel to engage in entrepreneurial activities and transition scientific and technological innovations. Such units are typically called: innovation centers, entrepreneurial centers, technology incubators, etc. Their mission is to provide resources to individuals and teams in the form of space, seed funding, entrepreneurial mentoring, curriculum, or other assets needed to transition technology into the marketplace.

See the complete solicitation for additional details and requirements:  http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12586/nsf12586.htm?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click

Internal Competition:  Because NSF limits an institution to lead only one I-Corps Node proposal, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Researchers interested in submitting a proposal are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and their Associate Dean for Research by Thursday, August 16, 2012:

• The names and departments of the Principal Investigator (PI), project personnel and other partners or collaborators

• A project overview (2 pages max.) including the plans for regional training, coordinating regional infrastructure, and long-term research/ development projects.

A committee will be convened to review this information and make a recommendation. The NSF deadline is October 19, 2012. Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).