NSF National Innovation Convening

The National Innovation Convening seeks a dynamic, cross-sector group of participants who can bring meaningful expertise, experience, and perspectives to this national dialogue.

Applications are encouraged from:

• Small businesses and entrepreneurs, including SBIR/STTR recipients and technology-based founders
• NSF I-Corps instructors, mentors, participants, and alumni
• Technology transfer and commercialization professionals
• Venture capitalists, angel investors, impact investors, and other members of the investment community
• Industry R&D, technology, and innovation leaders
• Academic research and innovation leaders
• Representatives of EPSCoR institutions and jurisdictions
• Early-career researchers and innovators
• Representatives of smaller universities and undergraduate-focused institutions
• Regional innovation organizations, accelerators, innovation hubs, and entrepreneurial-support organizations
• Other professionals whose expertise can meaningfully contribute to strengthening the U.S. innovation-to-commercialization ecosystem
• The Convening seeks representation across institutional types, industry sectors, geographic regions, career stages, and innovation experiences.

There is no registration fee to participate in the National Innovation Convening. However, space is limited, and interested participants are encouraged to register as early as possible to secure their participation.

Travel support will be available to help reduce financial barriers to participation.

The NSF-supported project includes funding for up to 60 competitive travel awards for selected participants.

Travel awards may range from approximately $667 to $2,000, depending upon travel distance and eligible expenses.

Priority consideration is intended for participants including:

• Researchers and innovators from EPSCoR institutions and jurisdictions
• Early-career researchers
• Small-business founders and entrepreneurs, particularly those who may otherwise face barriers to participation

Eligible travel expenses may include economy airfare, lodging, ground transportation, and other allowable travel costs consistent with NSF and Widener University travel requirements.

Applicants who would like to be considered for travel assistance should indicate this when completing the NIC application.

Travel-support decisions will be communicated to selected applicants in connection with or following notification of acceptance.

Selected participants are expected to be active contributors to the National Innovation Convening, not simply attendees. Their perspectives, experiences, and ideas will play an important role in shaping the outcomes of this national effort.

Participants will be asked to:

• Complete a pre-convening survey and a post-convening survey in a timely manner. These surveys are important components of the Convening and will help inform the discussions and capture key insights and outcomes.
• Attend the full 1.5-day National Innovation Convening.
• Actively participate in facilitated discussions, working sessions, and other collaborative activities.
• Contribute their expertise and perspectives to the development of recommendations that will inform the National Innovation Roadmap.

The success of the Convening depends on the active engagement of participants and their willingness to share ideas, experiences, challenges, and promising practices from across the U.S. innovation ecosystem.

Applications are due September 8, 2026, and applicants will be notified beginning September 11, 2026.

Applicants will provide basic professional and organizational information, a brief professional bio, information about their role in the innovation ecosystem, and a short statement about their interest in and potential contribution to the Convening.