Because NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines program seeks collaborative ideas that bridge the gap between science and technology to solve today’s problems while stimulating the economy and workforce, the agency’s traditional deep Deviation from research focus.

In short, NSF does not expect only academic research centers to translate science into practical solutions, but rather asks private companies, investors, workforce agencies, major government groups, and others to get their hands dirty from the start. I’m looking for

Competition within the United States for this multi-billion dollar initiative is fierce, giving the go-ahead to the next stage and creating hundreds of concept outlines across a variety of topics. His one such overview will involve about 20 Wisconsin partners and will highlight the state’s strengths in water, energy and waste reuse.

Several major companies (AO Smith, Rockwell Automation, Sentry) are also listed.Equipment Co., Ltd.

Others include the Department of Engineering Physics at UW Madison, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, UW Milwaukee, UWM Research Foundation, Wisconsin Manufacturing and Productivity Center, Brightstar Wisconsin Investment Fund, STEM Forward, WEC Energy Group, and Milwaukee Municipal Sewerage. increase. District, Urban League of Greater Madison, Business Council, State Senator Dale Couenga (R-Wisconsin), and August Brown Management Consulting Firm.

The list also includes the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, the statewide Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, New North, a regional economic group representing 18 counties in northeastern Wisconsin, and Milwaukee 7 serving seven counties in southeastern Wisconsin. I’m here.

While it may seem like an eclectic alliance at first glance, especially from the outside, there is a common bond that speaks to the two themes.

First, it is possible for sometimes competing groups in Wisconsin’s research and economics to work together. For example, The Water Council is based in Milwaukee but is nationally known and works with companies and innovators across geographic boundaries.

The state’s Regional Economic Development Group and Chamber of Commerce are usually located near home, but are also included in the larger “IQ Corridor,” branded for the Interstate Tech Council, which connects Wisconsin and the Chicago area. increase. The “I” stands for interstate, innovation, intellectual property and investment, while the “Q” broadly stands for research, education, workforce and quality of life.

Second, each group has hands on different parts of the elephant. Sometimes we have both hands or a third of him.

For example, AO Smith, Rockwell Automation’s Advanced Technology and Sustainability Group, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and its Innovation Projects, Marquette’s Center for Water Quality, and UW-Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Science, water innovation is important. is.

Wisconsin manufacturers are interested in reducing energy costs, reducing waste, reusing wherever possible, and using water smarter. This includes other organizations within the group, such as the Wisconsin Manufacturing and Productivity Center. The University of Milwaukee and its affiliated research foundations work with industry in these areas and more. The same goes for his WARF, which holds patents in all areas by UW-Madison researchers. WEC Energy Group, the engineering physics arm of UW-Madison, has a distinct interest in energy innovation.

Workforce needs are critical to all economic development groups, especially MKE Tech Hub, Tech Councils and Urban League of Greater Madison.

The outcome regarding the NSF grant process remains to be seen. Probably not until mid-2023. Other Wisconsin-based proposals may compete in a variety of tech areas.

Regardless of the outcome, these efforts already underscore the idea that Wisconsin expertise can compete on the national stage. You can also make money and create jobs by exporting those ideas to some of the countries that are working on water, energy and waste sustainability issues.