NSF Convergence Accelerator Regional Expansion Event | Southeast – Atlanta

Join us on July 31 for the NSF Convergence Accelerator Regional Expansion Event | Southeast – Atlanta.
As part of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator’s expansion to 10 regionally focused NSF Convergence Accelerators, NSF will host an in-person expansion event in Atlanta, GA.
The NSF Convergence Accelerator Southeast Regional Expansion Event in Atlanta, GA will share with attendees how we plan to expand from a single national program to 10 regionally focused NSF Convergence Accelerators that aim to enhance and promote regional competitiveness in research and innovation. We welcome our colleagues, partners, and stakeholders from academia, industry, nonprofits, government, and other communities of practice to join us in Atlanta, GA for this Southeast Regional Expansion Event.
The Convergence Accelerator program builds on foundational research by bringing together researchers, practitioners and stakeholders from a wide array of sectors and domains to accelerate use-inspired solutions to complex challenges that benefit from multidisciplinary perspectives. These 10 NSF Regional Convergence Accelerators will harness the full geography of innovation throughout the U.S., increasing NSF's reach by engaging more researchers as well as NSF's impact by scaling the delivery of tangible solutions for all Americans.

Program and expansion overview. Gain a comprehensive understanding of NSF, the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), the NSF Convergence Accelerator program model, and plans for the regional expansion.
Regional Anchor opportunity. Explore the pivotal role of a Regional Anchor, designed to execute the NSF Convergence Accelerator’s program model at the regional level and ensure the overall experience is consistent with the existing program.
Regional Consortia opportunities. Learn about the opportunities that the Southeast Regional Convergence Accelerator will offer to partners within the region. Discover how Consortia Members will collaborate to solve the region’s most complex challenges, from ideation to research delivery.
Panel discussions. Hear firsthand from NSF Convergence Accelerator-funded teams in candid conversations about their projects and their experience in the program.
Dynamic networking opportunities. Connect with likeminded innovators, collaborators and thought leaders committed to addressing complex regional challenges.

The NSF Convergence Accelerator Southeast Regional Expansion Events in Atlanta, GA and Jackson, MS (LINK) are open to interested individuals and organizations from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Register now to be part of this unique opportunity. We invite you to share this information with colleagues who may be interested.

The NSF Convergence Accelerator Southeast Regional Expansion Events aim to bring individuals and organizations together from diverse professional backgrounds. To ensure a tailored experience for all attendees, please choose which sector you are representing from the list below:
Academia: If you are attending the event as a representative of an academic institution.

Non-profit/Philanthropic: If you are attending the event as a representative of an organization such as an association, trade organization, coalition, philanthropic and non-profit.

Government: If you are attending the event as a representative of a state, local or federal governmental agency or organization.

Industry: If you are attending the event as a representative of a for profit organization such as a startup, small business, midsized enterprise or large enterprise.

Media: If you are attending the event as a media representative.

Other: Please specify.

3405 Lenox Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
July 31, 2024
12 p.m. – 5 p.m. CT
Cost: No cost
Registration & Event Information
Registration is free and will take place in the Heritage Pre-function Space. The event will be held in the Heritage Ballroom.
Agenda
12 – 1:00 p.m. Registration and Networking
1:00 p.m. Event Begins / Welcome Remarks
1:10 p.m. TIP: A New Directorate - Harnessing America's Innovation Potential
1:35 p.m. NSF Convergence Accelerator: National Program Overview
2:05 p.m. Panel Session: Convergence Accelerator Experiences
2:35 p.m. Break
2:50 p.m. Ignite Innovation in Your Region: NSF Convergence Accelerator Regional Expansion
3:30 p.m. Other Transaction Authority – Regional Anchor Opportunity
3:50 p.m. Closing Remarks
4 :00 p.m. Networking Session | Snacks & Beverages Break
5:00 p.m. Event Conclusion

Parking
Parking is available at the hotel. Self-parking is $38 per day, and valet parking is $48 per day.
Public Transportation
The Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center is accessible using the MARTA rapid-transit system. Use the trip planner feature here to map out the best route for arrival.

We strive to make our events accessible to all. For accessibility accommodations, please email [email protected] and copy [email protected] as soon as possible, but before Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

As part of our registration process for the upcoming regional events, we will be collecting some personal information from attendees, including names, job titles, institutions, email addresses, city, and state. The purpose of this collection is to facilitate registration for the NSF Convergence Accelerator regional expansion events. Additionally, with the express consent of the attendee, the information can be used to provide the attendee with updates and information about the NSF Convergence Accelerator and/or to facilitate networking and collaboration among participants by sharing this information with other attendees who have registered for an NSF Convergence Accelerator event within the Southeast region and with the identified NSF Regional Anchor.
This information will be used solely for these purposes and will be maintained only as long as necessary. We will not use it for any other undisclosed purpose.
Providing personal information to register for an NSF Convergence Accelerator regional expansion event is optional; however, failure to provide information designated with an asterisk will mean you will not be able to register for the event. Consenting to your information being shared with other attendees is also optional, and failure to consent will mean that your information will not be shared with other attendees. If you choose to receive program updates and information, your information will also be used by NSF to contact you with additional information regarding the Convergence Accelerator program.
If you have questions about how your information will be used, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

For event-specific questions, please contact [email protected].
For information about the Convergence Accelerator program, please contact [email protected].

The NSF Convergence Accelerator’s expansion to 10 NSF Regional Convergence Accelerators will increase the program’s ability to promote convergence research and innovation across the country. The NSF Regional Convergence Accelerators will support regional networks of researchers, practitioners and stakeholders from various domains and sectors, stimulating innovation, discovery and research acceleration through collaboration and knowledge exchange. Further, the NSF Regional Convergence Accelerators will foster positive societal and economic change by funding multidisciplinary teams developing use-inspired solutions to address complex regional challenges through the NSF Convergence Accelerator’s unique approach to research and innovation.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center, 3405 Lenox Road Northeast, Atlanta, United States