NSF Convergence Accelerator Phases 1 and 2 for the 2022 Cohort - Tracks H, I, J | 22 583

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The NSF Convergence Accelerator Phases 1 and 2 for the 2022 Cohort (Tracks H, I, and J) is a National Science Foundation funding opportunity designed to tackle large, real-world U.S. societal challenges by moving research beyond academic results and into practical use. The program emphasizes "use-inspired convergence research," meaning teams are expected to blend multiple disciplines and sectors (for example, researchers, industry, nonprofits, government, and end-users) around a shared problem, then apply structured innovation methods to produce outcomes that can realistically be adopted at scale. A defining feature of this program is the expectation that projects will not operate as isolated research efforts; instead, each proposed project must clearly align with the overarching goals of its selected track and contribute to an integrated, track-wide environment that produces concrete, beneficial outputs.

This solicitation covers both Phase 1 and Phase 2 under a single NSF solicitation, while also pointing to a parallel Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) hosted on SAM.gov that is intended to expand access for proposals led by non-academic entities. In practical terms, applicants should pay attention to which mechanism fits their organization type: proposals led by Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), nonprofits, independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies, and similar organizations submit under this NSF solicitation, while proposals led by for-profit organizations generally submit under the parallel BAA. The program is offered as a grant (discretionary funding instrument) within the science and technology R and D category (CFDA 47.084). For this 2022 cohort solicitation (Funding Opportunity Number 22-583), the original closing date was July 20, 2022, and NSF anticipated making up to 48 awards.

The program structure is explicitly two-phased. Phase 1 is meant to turn an initial convergence idea into a credible, testable proof-of-concept while also solidifying the right team, partnerships, and execution plan. Phase 2 is the scale-up and transition-to-practice phase, where the team is expected to build a deliverable prototype and a sustainability model that can carry the impact beyond NSF funding. A key rule is that only Phase 1 awardees under this solicitation are eligible to submit a Phase 2 proposal, so Phase 1 is both a funding mechanism and a gate to Phase 2.

Before submitting a Phase 1 full proposal, teams are required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). The LOI is not just a formality; it must identify the team and show that the group has the cross-disciplinary and cross-sector mix needed for a true convergence effort. It also must state one or more intended deliverables, explain how those outputs could create societal impact at scale, and describe the team that will be formed to do the work. The Phase 1 full proposal then expands that into a clearer plan, requiring teams to describe their deliverables, present a research plan, and lay out how team formation and integration will work in practice to achieve a proof-of-concept during Phase 1.

Phase 1 awards can be up to $750,000 for a 12-month period. The design of that year is structured: about nine months are described as an intensive, hands-on period anchored by the Convergence Accelerator innovation curriculum, and roughly three months are allocated to other program activities such as participating in NSF Convergence Accelerator Pitch Presentations and an Expo. During the intensive portion, teams receive training and support through modules focused on innovation and translation methods such as human-centered design, user discovery, team science, and multidisciplinary partnership integration. Teams also receive coaching support during Phase 1, and they may keep the same coach into Phase 2 or request a different one.

Phase 2 is where the program expects the work to transition into practice. Phase 2 awards can be up to $5,000,000 for a 24-month project period, and proposals must include a detailed two-year R and D plan that uses convergence methods, multi-sector partnerships, and active collaboration with other partners and end-users. Phase 2 proposals must be explicit about what will be delivered within the 24 months, including prototype deliverables and a sustainability plan that explains how the solution will continue to generate impact after NSF support ends. Partnerships are treated as essential rather than optional: Phase 2 teams must include the organizations and end-users necessary for success (industry, IHEs, nonprofits, government, and others as appropriate), and each partner should have clear roles tied to developing deliverables and enabling real-world adoption.

Phase 2 funding is also performance-gated. Although the overall plan covers 24 months, awards are initially funded for 12 months, with the second year contingent on demonstrated progress. NSF assesses progress during the year through roughly four virtual and/or in-person meetings with NSF program staff. At the 12-month point, teams provide a report and presentation that are evaluated by a review panel composed of NSF reviewers and staff (and only competing teams, not external observers). Teams that show significant progress against the agreed milestones and deliverables receive second-year funding. The program also makes it clear that projects are expected to finish within the 24-month window; no-cost extensions are not permitted except in clearly documented exceptional circumstances, and grantees must consult the cognizant Program Officer before requesting an extension.

For the 2022 cohort, this solicitation invited proposals in three specific tracks, each aimed at a distinct national-scale challenge. Track H, "Enhancing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities," focuses on bringing together researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to develop use-inspired solutions that improve quality of life and expand employment access and opportunities for persons with disabilities. The track framing suggests projects should be grounded in real user needs and practical deployment contexts, with measurable improvements in inclusion, accessibility, independence, or workforce participation.

Track I, "Sustainable Materials for Global Challenges," targets the intersection of materials science, design, and manufacturing with full life-cycle thinking. The stated objective is to connect advances in fundamental materials research to methods that account for end-use requirements and environmental and economic sustainability across a product's life cycle. In other words, proposals are expected to go beyond discovering new materials and instead integrate design, manufacturability, supply chain or circularity considerations, and life-cycle impacts to produce materials and products that are more sustainable in practice.

Track J, "Food and Nutrition Security," emphasizes convergence across food and nutrition sectors to address linked challenges such as population health, climate change, and the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations. The track explicitly highlights empowering youth, women, and disadvantaged communities, implying that strong proposals will incorporate equity-centered implementation pathways and partnerships with communities that are often most affected by food insecurity and nutrition-related health disparities. As with the other tracks, proposals must show how the work contributes to an integrated track environment and aligns with the track's overarching goals, rather than presenting disconnected activities.

Across all tracks, NSF places strong emphasis on broadening participation and encourages proposals that include partnerships with minority-serving institutions and other organizations that expand who benefits from and contributes to the work. Examples listed include HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Alaska Native-Serving Institutions, Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving Institutions, and Native-American-serving nontribal institutions (referencing U.S. Department of Education categories). The overall expectation is that teams will combine strong technical or scientific approaches with real stakeholder engagement, deliverable-focused project management, and credible pathways to adoption and sustained impact.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NSF Convergence Accelerator Phases 1 and 2 for the 2022 Cohort - Tracks H, I, J" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.084.
• This funding opportunity was created on Apr 08, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 20, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 48 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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