The U.S. National Science Foundation is investing $9.75 million to advance novel solutions for complex societal and economic challenges inspired by biological systems. NSF’s investment awards 15 multidisciplinary teams to Phase 1 of the NSF Convergence Accelerator’s Track M: Bio-Inspired Design Innovations.
The track leverages the understanding of living systems and utilizes expertise spanning scientists, engineers and practitioners to inspire novel approaches and technologies that reduce environmental deterioration and mitigate challenges related to infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture and food production, human health and more.
“Research in bio-inspired design has the potential to yield transformative solutions to complex challenges,” said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP). “With this investment, NSF is pleased to accelerate new concepts, tools, technologies and approaches that will positively impact the nation in a range of areas, from environmental preservation to advanced manufacturing and human health.”
Over the next nine months, each Phase 1 team will refine their initial idea into a proof of concept, identify team members and partners, and actively participate in the Convergence Accelerator’s Phase 1 innovation curriculum. This curriculum encompasses crucial fundamentals in human-centered design, team science, use-inspired research, early-state prototyping, and effective communication, storytelling and pitching. As Phase 1 concludes, the teams will participate in a formal Phase 2 proposal and pitch to demonstrate the viability of their solutions. Teams selected for Phase 2 will continue in the NSF Convergence Accelerator program.
“Bio-inspired design is very applicable to the NSF Convergence Accelerator program because it inherently draws approaches and techniques from the convergence of life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and medicine,” said Douglas Maughan, head of the NSF Convergence Accelerator program.
The awardees include:
A New Biomanufacturing Process for Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Inspired by Whiting Events, led by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. AI-Designed Microbes for Efficient Food Protein Production, led by Terraferma Foods Inc. Bio-Inspired and Biocatalytic Degradation of ‘Forever Chemicals,’ led by Geosyntec Consultants. Bio-Inspired Design of Robot Hands for Use-Driven Dexterity, led by Carnegie Mellon University. Bio-Inspired Scalable Colloidal Materials for Improving Crop Productivity on the Path to Climate Smart Sustainable Agriculture, led by Benanova Inc. Bio-Inspired Surface Design for High-Performance Mechanical Tracking Solar Collection Skins in Architecture, led by Cornell University. Biofilm-Based Corrosion Control Using 3D-Printed Biotechnology, led by Iowa State University. Bio-Inspired Multispectral Imaging Technology for Intraoperative Cancer Detection, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Distributed Flexible Strain Sensors to Enable Proprioceptive Cochlear Implant Electrodes, led by Carnegie Mellon University. Enabling Novel Photonic Neuromorphic Devices Through Bridging DNA-Programmable Assembly and Nanofabrication, led by Columbia University. Nature-Inspired Biomanufactured Terminal Hydroxylated Fatty Acid Copolyesters, led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Slime Mold-Inspired Self-Assembling Conveyor System for Flood Response, led by the New Jersey Institute of Technology Soft Growing Robots for Mobility Support, led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. TANDEM: Tensegrity-based Assistive aND rehabilitation Exosuits to Complement Human BioMechanics, led by The University of Alabama. Water-Responsive Materials for Evaporation Energy Harvesting, led by the City University of New York Advanced Science Research Center.
About the NSF Convergence Accelerator
Launched in 2019, the NSF Convergence Accelerator — a TIP program — builds upon NSF’s investment in basic research and discovery to accelerate solutions toward societal and economic impact. The program’s multidisciplinary teams use convergence research fundamentals and innovation processes to stimulate innovative idea sharing and development of sustainable solutions. For more information about the program, visit new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/convergence-accelerator.
About TIP
TIP harnesses the nation’s vast and diverse talent pool to accelerate critical and emerging technologies and address pressing societal and economic challenges. The directorate comprises three primary focus areas: fostering innovation and technology ecosystems, establishing translation pathways, and partnering across sectors to improve U.S. competitiveness, grow the U.S. economy and engage and train a diverse workforce for future high-wage jobs. For more information about TIP, visit new.nsf.gov/tip/latest.
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