Funding-Limited Submission – NSF – Innovation Corps - Regional Node Program (I-Corps Node) – (NSF 12-586); April 17, 2015

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.

I-Corps Regional Nodes will foster understanding on how to: 1) identify, develop and support promising ideas that can generate value, 2) create and implement tools and resources that enhance our nation's innovation capacity, 3) gather, analyze, evaluate and utilize the data and insight resulting from the experiences of those participating in the I-Corps program and 4) share and leverage effective innovation practices on a national scale - to improve the quality of life for the U.S. citizenry.

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

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: 1

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 limitedsubmissions@uky.edu and their Associate Dean for Research by Tuesday, December 16, 2014:

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

· Title of the program and/or funding opportunity announcement number

· 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 recommendations. 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).

NSF Deadline: April 17, 2015.