Funding-Limited Submission – NSF - Innovation Corps Sites Program (I-Corps Sites) (NSF 14-547); April 8, 2014

Description: The National Science Foundation seeks to develop and nurture a national innovation ecosystem that builds upon research to guide the output of scientific discoveries closer to the development of technologies, products and processes that benefit society. In order to contribute to a national innovation ecosystem, NSF established the NSF Innovation Corps Sites Program (NSF I-Corps Sites). Sites are funded at academic institutions, having already existing innovation or entrepreneurial units, to enable them to:

· Nurture students and/or faculty who are engaged in projects having the potential to be transitioned into the marketplace. I-Corps Sites will provide infrastructure, advice, resources, networking opportunities, training and modest funding to enable groups to transition their work into the marketplace or into becoming I-Corps Team applicants (see NSF Innovation Corps Program, NSF 12-602).

· Develop formal, active, local innovation ecosystems that contribute to a larger, national network of mentors, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors.

The purpose of an I-Corps Site is to nurture and support multiple, local teams to transition their ideas, devices, processes or other intellectual activities into the marketplace.

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: 1

See the complete solicitation for additional details and requirements: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14547/nsf14547.htm

Because NSF limits the number of applications per institution, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Researchers interested in submitting a proposal are to submit the following materials electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at limitedsubmissions@uky.edu and to their Associate Dean for Research by Tuesday, April 8, 2014.

(1) Names and departments of the PI, and Senior Project Personnel

(2) Title of the program and/or funding opportunity announcement number

(3) Project description (1-2 page maximum) including the project goals and objectives, and plan for collaboration with an existing innovation or entrepreneurial unit at UK.

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review the material and make recommendations as to the University’s applicant. 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: June 27, 2014