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Florida Atlantic University recently received the National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps) grant to create an NSF I-Corps Site at �������� as a component of �������� Tech Runway®. The grant was awarded by the National Science Foundation and was presented by U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch during a visit to �������� Tech Runway® at ��������’s Boca Raton campus. 

“�������� is excited to receive the NSF I-Corps grant,” said Daniel Flynn, Ph.D., vice president for research at ��������. “This grant will help to promote STEM entrepreneurship among ��������’s diverse student population and further our efforts as a key contributor to South Florida’s innovation ecosystem.” 

The NSF I-Corps program prepares scientists and engineers to extend their focus beyond the university laboratory and accelerates the economic and societal benefits of NSF-funded, basic-research projects that are ready to move toward commercialization. 

“I’m always so amazed and inspired by my visits to �������� Tech Runway,” said Deutch. “Students and entrepreneurs are helping to drive innovation with local companies and pushing the boundaries of our technological capabilities. This advanced work with �������� Tech Runway will prepare these innovators for successful careers in the STEM fields.” 

The grant is worth $254,997 over three years and will serve to advance entrepreneurship and innovation efforts currently taking place at �������� Tech Runway®. Specifically, the grant will create an I-Corps site to support and equip multiple southeast Florida teams to accelerate viable STEM research innovations from the laboratory to the marketplace. 

“Creating an NSF I-Corps site at �������� will increase and retain the number of newly formed innovative companies capable of accelerating innovations to the market and attracting investors and industry partners to the region,” said Ken Dawson-Scully, Ph.D., associate vice president for strategic initiatives at �������� and head of institutional partnerships for �������� and Max Planck Florida Institute. “The ultimate outcome of this NSF grant directly aligns with ��������’s strategic goal to cultivate and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.” 

"The grant establishes �������� as only the third NSF I-Corps site in Florida," said Dimitris Pados, Ph.D., professor, I-SENSE Fellow, Charles E. Schmidt Eminent Scholar in Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, ��������'s College of Engineering and Computer Science. "It is the latest success example under ��������'s Strategic Plan, Race to Excellence 2015-2025. The impact of the site on �������� and our region will be growing for years to come."

Project Researchers - PI: Ken Dawson-Scully, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at �������� and Head of Institutional Partnerships for �������� and Max Planck Florida Institute; Co-PIs: Dimitris Pados, Ph.D., Professor, I-SENSE Fellow, Charles E. Schmidt Eminent Scholar in Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, ��������'s College of Engineering and Computer Science, and Rhys Williams, J.D., Associate Vice President and Managing Director, �������� Tech Runway and Division of Research