North Charlotte Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has chosen two North Carolina organizations for its Regional Innovation Engines Program. The recipients of this prestigious program are the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine, led by the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), and the North Carolina Sustainable Textiles Innovation Engine, led by the Industrial Commons. These organizations will receive a significant investment of up to $15 million each for two years, with the potential for up to $160 million over the course of 10 years.

Senator Tillis expressed his pride in North Carolina's innovation leadership and his support for both applicants. He stated, "I am glad to see the CHIPS Act provide smart federal investments to boost regional economic development and our innovation ecosystem."

The Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine, based in Winston-Salem, will leverage the world's largest regenerative medicine cluster to develop and expand breakthrough clinical therapies. This initiative will contribute to the growth of an industry that is crucial to healthcare delivery. WFIRM will spearhead this program, which involves a total of 80 partner organizations in the Piedmont region.

On the other hand, the North Carolina Sustainable Textiles Innovation Engine, led by the Industrial Commons in Morganton, aims to revolutionize the $90 billion textile industry by focusing on the development of sustainable fabrics. This effort will involve a network of 17 partner organizations concentrated in North Carolina, with additional partners from South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The NSF Engines program is one of the largest investments in place-based research and development in the history of the United States. It prioritizes science and technology as the central driver for regional economic competitiveness. The announcement aligns with the bipartisan goals of the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022," which authorized the NSF Engines program.

With a total of 188 proposals submitted, only 8 finalists were selected for the NSF Engines Program. These two North Carolina organizations stood out among the competition, highlighting the state's commitment to innovation and research.

This significant investment from the NSF will not only support the growth and development of these innovation engines but also foster collaboration and partnerships across various sectors. The impact of these initiatives will extend beyond North Carolina, benefiting the region and the nation as a whole.

Senator Tillis' advocacy for these organizations and his support for the CHIPS and Science Act have played a vital role in securing this funding. North Carolina's innovation ecosystem continues to thrive, and these new engines will undoubtedly contribute to its further growth and success.

The future looks bright for North Carolina's regenerative medicine and sustainable textiles industries, thanks to the NSF Engines program and the dedicated efforts of the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine and the Industrial Commons. These organizations, along with their partners, are poised to lead the way in groundbreaking research, development, and economic growth.