Opportunity Information: Apply for 22 583
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.Apply for 22 583
- 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NSF Convergence Accelerator (Phases 1 and 2) for the 2022 Cohort (Tracks H, I, and J)?
It is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funding opportunity designed to address large, real-world U.S. societal challenges by moving research beyond academic outcomes and into practical use. The program centers on "use-inspired convergence research," where teams blend multiple disciplines and sectors to produce deliverables that can realistically be adopted at scale.
What does "use-inspired convergence research" mean in this program?
In this solicitation, "use-inspired convergence research" means teams are expected to integrate multiple disciplines and multiple sectors (for example, academia, industry, nonprofits, government, and end-users) around a shared problem, then apply structured innovation and translation methods to produce tangible outputs that can be deployed in real-world settings.
How is this program different from a typical research grant?
A defining expectation is that projects should not operate as isolated research efforts. Each project must align with the overarching goals of its selected track and contribute to an integrated, track-wide environment aimed at producing concrete, beneficial outputs that can be adopted at scale.
What funding mechanism is used for this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered as a grant (a discretionary funding instrument) within the science and technology R and D category, CFDA 47.084.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this solicitation?
The Funding Opportunity Number is 22-583.
What was the closing date for the 2022 cohort solicitation?
The original closing date was July 20, 2022.
How many awards did NSF anticipate making under this solicitation?
NSF anticipated making up to 48 awards for this 2022 cohort solicitation.
What are the phases of the NSF Convergence Accelerator and how do they differ?
The program is explicitly two-phased:
- Phase 1: Develop an initial convergence idea into a credible, testable proof-of-concept while solidifying the team, partnerships, and execution plan.
- Phase 2: Scale up and transition to practice by building a deliverable prototype and a sustainability model to extend impact beyond NSF funding.
Do applicants have to start with Phase 1?
Yes. Only Phase 1 awardees under this solicitation are eligible to submit a Phase 2 proposal. Phase 1 is both the initial funding mechanism and the required gateway to Phase 2.
Is a Letter of Intent (LOI) required for Phase 1?
Yes. Teams are required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) before submitting a Phase 1 full proposal.
What information must be included in the Phase 1 LOI?
Based on the solicitation description provided, the LOI must:
- Identify the team
- Demonstrate the cross-disciplinary and cross-sector mix needed for a true convergence effort
- State one or more intended deliverables
- Explain how the deliverables could create societal impact at scale
- Describe the team that will be formed to do the work
What does the Phase 1 full proposal need to include beyond the LOI?
The Phase 1 full proposal is expected to expand the LOI into a clearer plan by describing deliverables, presenting a research plan, and detailing how team formation and integration will work in practice to achieve a proof-of-concept during Phase 1.
How much funding is available for Phase 1, and how long is the project period?
Phase 1 awards can be up to $750,000 for a 12-month period.
How is the Phase 1 year structured?
The 12 months are structured as approximately nine months of intensive, hands-on work anchored by the Convergence Accelerator innovation curriculum, plus roughly three months for other program activities such as NSF Convergence Accelerator Pitch Presentations and an Expo.
What training or curriculum is included in Phase 1?
During Phase 1, 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.
Is coaching provided during Phase 1?
Yes. Teams receive coaching support during Phase 1. Teams may keep the same coach into Phase 2 or request a different coach.
How much funding is available for Phase 2, and how long is the project period?
Phase 2 awards can be up to $5,000,000 for a 24-month project period.
What is expected to be delivered in Phase 2?
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.
What kind of plan is required for Phase 2?
Phase 2 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.
Are partnerships optional or required in Phase 2?
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.
How is Phase 2 funding released (is it all awarded at once)?
Phase 2 funding is performance-gated. Although the overall plan covers 24 months, awards are initially funded for 12 months, with the second year contingent on demonstrated progress.
How does NSF assess progress during Phase 2?
NSF assesses progress through roughly four virtual and/or in-person meetings with NSF program staff during the year. 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).
What happens at the 12-month point in Phase 2?
Teams submit a report and presentation evaluated by a review panel. Teams that show significant progress against agreed milestones and deliverables receive second-year funding.
Are no-cost extensions allowed for Phase 2?
The program indicates 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.
Which organizations should apply through this NSF solicitation versus the parallel Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) on SAM.gov?
Applicants should consider 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. Proposals led by for-profit organizations generally submit under the parallel BAA hosted on SAM.gov, which is intended to expand access for proposals led by non-academic entities.
What are the tracks included in this 2022 cohort solicitation?
This solicitation invited proposals in three tracks:
- Track H: Enhancing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
- Track I: Sustainable Materials for Global Challenges
- Track J: Food and Nutrition Security
What is the focus of Track H (Enhancing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities)?
Track H 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 framing suggests projects should be grounded in real user needs and practical deployment contexts, with measurable improvements in inclusion, accessibility, independence, or workforce participation.
What is the focus of Track I (Sustainable Materials for Global Challenges)?
Track I targets the intersection of materials science, design, and manufacturing with full life-cycle thinking. Proposals are expected to connect advances in fundamental materials research to end-use requirements and environmental and economic sustainability across a product's life cycle, integrating considerations like design, manufacturability, supply chain or circularity, and life-cycle impacts.
What is the focus of Track J (Food and Nutrition Security)?
Track J 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 include equity-centered implementation pathways and partnerships with communities most affected by food insecurity and nutrition-related health disparities.
Do proposals need to align with the selected track beyond simply fitting the topic area?
Yes. Proposals must clearly align with the overarching goals of the selected track and contribute to an integrated track environment, rather than presenting disconnected activities.
What kinds of outcomes does NSF want to see across tracks?
Across all tracks, the 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.
Does NSF emphasize broadening participation in this program?
Yes. 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.
What examples of minority-serving institutions are specifically encouraged for partnerships?
Examples listed include (referencing U.S. Department of Education categories): 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.
What is the overall expectation for deliverables in this program?
The program emphasizes deliverable-focused execution. Teams are expected to identify intended deliverables in the LOI, develop them into a proof-of-concept in Phase 1, and then deliver prototypes and a sustainability plan in Phase 2 so outcomes can continue generating impact beyond NSF funding.
Is this solicitation tied to other submission pathways?
Yes. The solicitation points to a parallel Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) on SAM.gov intended to expand access for proposals led by non-academic entities, and applicants are expected to pay attention to the mechanism that matches their organization type.
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