🚨 Funding alert:
EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Research Incubators for STEM Excellence (E-RISE) — U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)

The NSF E-RISE program supports the development of sustainable STEM research infrastructure and research competitiveness across EPSCoR-eligible states, territories, and jurisdictions. The opportunity is designed to help build collaborative, high-impact research networks that strengthen long-term research and workforce capacity.

E-RISE funds hypothesis-driven or problem-driven research aligned with a jurisdiction’s Science & Technology Plan while also supporting workforce development, cross-sector collaboration, and broader societal impact. NSF is especially interested in emerging and interdisciplinary STEM areas with strong long-term potential.

🔧 What it supports:
The program supports multi-institutional research incubators that strengthen STEM ecosystems through research capacity-building, workforce development, industry and government partnerships, collaborative networks, and sustainable infrastructure growth. Projects are expected to create lasting research and innovation capacity beyond the grant period.

🎯 Key focus areas include:

• STEM research infrastructure development
• Workforce and talent pipeline development
• Cross-sector collaboration among universities, nonprofits, industry, and government
• Emerging and interdisciplinary research areas
• Broadening participation and inclusive STEM engagement
• Sustainable research ecosystems and long-term competitiveness
• Integration of research with societal and economic impact goals

💡 Why it matters:
This opportunity is strategically important for states and institutions looking to strengthen research competitiveness, expand innovation ecosystems, and build durable STEM workforce pipelines. E-RISE goes beyond funding individual research projects — it invests in the long-term systems, partnerships, and talent infrastructure that can drive regional economic development and scientific advancement.

For higher education institutions, workforce intermediaries, nonprofit partners, and public-sector collaborators, this creates a significant opportunity to align research, workforce, and economic mobility strategies under a large-scale NSF initiative.

📌 How to apply:
Applications must be submitted through NSF in accordance with the solicitation requirements and the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Eligibility is limited to organizations located in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions, and proposals are expected to align with the jurisdiction’s approved Science & Technology Plan.

The current NSF posting lists a full proposal deadline of August 11, 2026. Applicants should carefully review the full solicitation for partnership, eligibility, and submission requirements.

👥 Who should consider this:

• Research universities and higher education institutions
• Statewide STEM and research collaborations
• Workforce and economic development partnerships
• Nonprofit research organizations and science centers
• Tribal governments and Indigenous-serving organizations
• Industry-academic research partnerships
• Multi-sector coalitions in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions

Organizations exploring NSF workforce development grants, STEM capacity-building funding, or regional innovation partnerships should pay close attention to this opportunity. The New Growth Team can help assess fit, shape a competitive grant strategy, and support proposal development for collaborative NSF funding opportunities.