Funding-Limited Submission – NSF – Innovation Corps – National Innovation Network Nodes Program (I-Corps Nodes) – (NSF 16-539); March 10, 2016

Purpose: NSF plans to build upon the established National Innovation Network (consisting of I-Corps Nodes and Sites) to further support the needs for innovation research, education and training. NSF is seeking to expand and sustain the network of I-Corps Nodes that work cooperatively to support the development of innovations that will benefit society. The interconnected nodes of the network are expected to be diverse in research areas, resources, tools, programs, capabilities, and geographic locations - providing the network with the flexibility to grow or reconfigure as needs arise.

I-Corps Nodes will foster understanding on how to: 1) identify, develop and support promising ideas that can generate value, 2) create and implement tools, resources and training activities 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 regional programs and 4) share and leverage effective innovation practices on a national scale - to improve the quality of life for the U.S. citizenry

The solicitation includes two tracks:

• Track 1 – I-Corps Node Development – new I-Corps Node applicants
• Track 2 – I-Corps Node Renewal – previously funded I-Corps Nodes

I-Corps Node awards made under this solicitation will be awarded as cooperative agreements.

Project Period/Funding Amount:

• Track 1 – I-Corps Node Development - $1,200,000 (years 1 & 2); $900,000 (year 3); $600,000 (year 4); $300,000 (year 5)
• Track 2 – I-Corps Node Renewal - $900,000 (years 1 & 2); $750,000 (year 3); $600,000 (year 4); $300,000 (year 5)

Link to Funding Opportunity

Institutional Limit: 1

Organizations may only be a participant in one proposal per deadline. In addition, organizations may only be associated with one I-Corps Node that is receiving funding from NSF at a given time.

PLEASE NOTE: Institutions that are the Lead organization for an existing Node may only participate in a Track 2 proposal submission.

Who May Serve as PI: The PI Must be an academic Administrative Lead at the level of Dean or higher, preferably at the level of a provost or vice-president.

Internal Competition: To participate in the University’s selection process, researchers are to submit the following material, assembled into a single PDF file, to the Office of the Vice President for Research at limitedsubmissions@uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Tuesday March 1, 2016:

• Names and departments or affiliations of the Project Director and other key personnel or partners;
• Title of program and/or funding opportunity announcement number;
• Brief project description (2 pages maximum)

A committee will be convened to review the material and make a recommendation. Questions about the submission process may be directed to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research at 257-1663 or limitedsubmissions@uky.edu.

Agency Deadline: Letter of Intent (required) – March 10, 2016; Full Proposal – May 10, 2016