Division of Industrial Innovation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Industrial Innovation is a civilian component of the NSF dedicated to fostering innovation in industrial applications. This division supports research and development activities that bridge academic research and practical industrial applications. The Division of Industrial Innovation facilitates the commercialization of scientific discoveries and promotes technological advancement through strategic funding initiatives. It plays a crucial role in the NSF's broader mission to advance the progress of science while promoting national health, prosperity, and welfare.

The NSF Division of Industrial Innovation recently awarded a firm fixed-price purchase order (49100424P0041) valued at $19,150.00 to the American Geophysical Union (AGU) for hosting the 2024 AGU Fall Meeting in Washington, DC. This contract, awarded on June 4, 2024, supports a scientific conference that facilitates knowledge exchange and collaboration in Earth and space science disciplines. The AGU, which has previously secured contracts from other federal agencies including NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Department of Commerce, serves as a non-profit organization promoting discovery in Earth and space science.

This contract demonstrates the Division's investment in scientific community engagement and knowledge dissemination through conference support. The absence of a set-aside designation indicates this was a competitive award open to all qualified organizations rather than being reserved for small businesses or other specialized categories of contractors. Supporting scientific conferences aligns with the Division's mission to foster innovation by facilitating exchange among researchers and practitioners in relevant fields.

The Division recently awarded Project Grant 2515123 focusing on studying the effects of microgravity on 3D cardiac organoid cultures. This research, conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS), aims to improve fundamental understanding of cardiac atrophy—a condition causing reduction in heart tissue mass that affects astronauts and patients with various diseases including cancer, muscular dystrophies, and heart failure. The interdisciplinary research team will use bioprinted heart tissue to study changes in tissue function under microgravity conditions, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies for cardiac atrophy both in space and on Earth.

Additionally, the Division awarded Project Grant 2517170 valued at $252,509 to the University of Miami Research Administration for developing a natural gas tank system capable of both on-demand gas storage and separation. This engineering research focuses on creating a prototype automotive tank that can separate carbon dioxide from low-grade renewable natural gas, effectively generating high-grade renewable natural gas. The project aims to establish a framework for understanding gas mixture adsorption into porous materials, supporting the broader goal of replacing automotive fossil fuels with renewable alternatives. This grant demonstrates the Division's commitment to funding innovative solutions addressing energy sustainability challenges through practical engineering applications.