The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Albion College nearly $400,000 to help build new partnerships, secure future external funding, and tap into regional innovation ecosystems. With this NSF grant, Albion College is not only advancing its educational mission but also strengthening its role as a catalyst for regional innovation and development.

Through its Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) program, Albion is one of 48 research institutions NSF selected to receive nearly $19 million, with each institution receiving up to $400,000 over three years.

“This grant represents a significant step forward in our commitment to experiential learning,” Principal Investigator Craig Streu, professor in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, said. “It aligns perfectly with our goal of equipping students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world.”

“This grant allows us to continue to advance our vision of experiential learning for all,” Albion College Provost Lisa B. Lewis said. “The grant supports the connection of Albion faculty with industry leaders to create mutually beneficial partnerships, creating real-world experiences for our students while contributing to regional economic growth.”

EPIIC works with institutions interested in growing external partnerships and building innovation capacity. It will provide Albion with training and support for three years to build more inclusive regional ecosystems and potentially connect to NSF Regional Innovation Engines.

“NSF is committed to catalyzing and empowering all Americans to participate in the nation’s research and innovation enterprise,” Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships said in announcing the awards. “This starts with creating pathways for the full range of institutions of higher education, nonprofits, state and local governments, tribal nations and private industry to engage in their regional innovation ecosystems.”

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Gianchandani said the EPIIC awards supplement previous efforts to connect diverse partners to develop inclusive innovation ecosystems and work together to accelerate key technologies and address pressing national, societal, and geostrategic challenges all across the U.S.

Specifically, Albion will receive $399,628 for a project entitled “Collaborative Research: EPIIC: Connect Four, Building Regional Innovation Partnerships to Enhance Workforce Development.” Lewis and Vicki L. Baker, professor and chair of the Economics and Management Department, are co-principal investigators of the project.

The project brings together Albion College, Canisius University, Northwest Arkansas Community College, and Roanoke College, each well positioned to advance innovation in relevant regional ecosystems. It seeks to advance four aims: Scale up capacity to develop and sustain external partnerships; expand connections to a wider network of external partners; develop improved means of communication with critical stakeholder groups; and conversion of one-off interactions into models of sustainable and repeatable partnerships at scale.