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July 27 – 28, 2022

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Attend Virtually

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET
July 27 - 28, 2022

Agenda Track Focus

45+ innovative solutions focused on societal impact

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Accelerating Solutions
Toward Societal Impact

Welcome to the Convergence Accelerator Expo 2022. Hosted by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator, this exciting virtual exhibition event is your chance to check out novel solutions across six convergence research topics addressing national-scale societal challenges.

During the event you will have the opportunity to connect with NSF-funded Convergence Accelerator research teams including viewing live presentations and solution demos. You may also network with other researchers, innovators, and business and technical practitioners from academia, industry, government, nonprofit, and other communities of practice.

Expo 2022 Takeaways

About the Convergence Accelerator

Research is often driven by a compelling societal or scientific challenge, but often developing solutions can take years. To deliver tangible solutions that have a nationwide societal impact and at a faster pace, the NSF launched the Convergence Accelerator program in 2019 and is currently aligned to the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, or TIP. The program leverages a convergence approach and innovation processes to transition basic research into use-inspired convergence research solutions to solve high impact societal challenges. Innovation processes include human-centered design, user discovery, team science, communications, storytelling and pitching; and integration of multidisciplinary research and cross-cutting partnerships.

About TIP

TIP focuses on pivotal challenges and enhances the fundamental research that powers future technologies and solutions. By tapping into the full breadth of the nation's demography and geography, the directorate is meeting the nation's priorities by providing researchers and innovators with education, tools, and funding to accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies and speed solutions forward. TIP comprises three primary focus areas — fostering innovation and technology ecosystems, establishing translation pathways, and partnering across sectors to engage the nation's diverse talent. Learn more about TIP at beta.nsf.gov/tip/latest.

2019 Cohort Tracks

Open Knowledge Networks

Track A

Knowledge networks correlate data to create new understandings. The Convergence Accelerator is funding the creation of a nonproprietary infrastructure for building Open Knowledge Networks.

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AI & the Future
of Work

Track B

AI, machine learning and robotics are shifting the future of work. The Convergence Accelerator is funding solutions to train, reskill, upskill the current and future workforce with industry needs and jobs of the future, as well as build a talent pipeline to stimulate the U.S. workforce.

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2020 Cohort Tracks

Quantum Technology

Track C

Quantum technologies can improve the U.S. industrial base, create jobs, and provide significant progress toward economic and societal needs. The Convergence Accelerator is funding solutions for a diverse set of applications.

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AI-Driven Data Sharing & Modeling

Track D

AI research and development requires access to high-quality datasets and environments, and testing and training resources. The Convergence Accelerator is funding solutions to address data and model-related challenges and data types.

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2021 Cohort Tracks

Networked Blue Economy

Track E

Ocean-related industries and resources, or the blue economy, plays a central role in addressing societal challenges like climate, sustainability, and pollution. The Convergence Accelerator is creating a smart, integrated, and open ecosystem for ocean innovation, exploration and sustainable use.

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Trust & Authenticity in Communication Systems

Track F

Modern life depends on access to communications systems that offer trustworthy and accurate information. The Convergence Accelerator is funding tools and techniques to help our nation effectively prevent, mitigate and adapt to critical threats to communication systems.

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2022 Agenda

Expo 2022 highlights the NSF Convergence Accelerator’s portfolio in an exhibition format, like a big science fair. In addition to a general session, attendees will choose which track topics and team booths to visit. Also, be sure to check out the Convergence Accelerator booth (001) to learn more about the program’s unique aspects, meet the team, to learn about other TIP innovation programs and to ask questions.

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10:00 A.M. (EDT) – GENERAL SESSION

Welcome Remarks

Shelby Smith, Communications and Outreach Lead, Convergence Accelerator, NSF

Accelerating Convergent Solutions For Societal Impact

Douglas Maughan, Head of the Convergence Accelerator, NSF

10:45 A.M. (EDT) – BREAK

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12:00 P.M. (EDT) – BREAK

12:45 P.M. (EDT) – GENERAL SESSION CONTINUED

Fostering Public-Private Partnerships Panel Discussion

Moderator:

Pradeep Fulay, Program Director for the Convergence Accelerator at NSF


Panelists

  • Angela Bednarek, Director of Evidence Project, Research & Science at The Pew Charitable Trust
  • Anthony Boccanfuso, President and CEO at UIDP
  • Jeffrey Vaughan, Director of Government Operations at GE Research
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4:00 P.M. (EDT)

10:00 A.M. (EDT) – GENERAL SESSION

Welcome Remarks

Douglas Maughan, Head of the Convergence Accelerator, NSF

Meet NSF's Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, a Fireside Chat

Erwin Gianchandani, Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, NSF

10:45 A.M. (EDT) – BREAK

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12:00 P.M. (EDT) – BREAK

12:45 P.M. (EDT) – GENERAL SESSION CONTINUED

Transition to Practice - Focus on Impact

Moderator:

Linda K. Molnar, Program Director for the Convergence Accelerator at NSF

Panelists:

  • Patti Glaza, EVP and Managing Director at Investment Detroit Ventures
  • Daniel Goroff, Vice President and Program Director at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
  • Christopher Ramming, Senior Director of Research and Innovation at VMWare
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4:00 P.M.(EDT)

FAQ
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Expo 2022 is free, but you’ll need to register to attend the event. Simply click on “Register” button and fill out the registration form. You will then receive an email confirmation for the event. Closer to the event, we will provide information on how to log into the event platform.