Senator Baldwin Helps Secure Funding for Regional Innovation Engines in Wisconsin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Baldwin and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced that two Wisconsin organizations are receiving funding through the Regional Innovation Engines program to boost Wisconsin’s water, agriculture, and energy innovation ecosystem. The awardees, the Milwaukee 7 Water Council and WiSys Technology Foundation, Inc., will receive up to $1 million each in development awards to develop a local innovation ecosystem, address climate change through water and energy innovation, and support jobs. The NSF’s, Regional Innovation Engines program is authorized by the Baldwin-supported CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.

“Wisconsin is well positioned for growth in emerging industries because we have world-class research universities, cutting-edge technology, and a skilled Made in Wisconsin manufacturing workforce,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am pleased to help deliver this investment to spur innovation, boost our Made-in-Wisconsin economy, and help bring family-supporting jobs to our local communities.” 

These development awards will help prepare the region to be a strong contender for becoming a future NSF Engine, where they will have the opportunity to receive up to $160 million. The NSF Engines program uniquely harnesses the nation’s science and technology research and development enterprise and regional-level resources. NSF Engines aspire to catalyze robust partnerships to positively impact the economy within a geographic region, address societal challenges, advance national competitiveness and create local, high-wage jobs. 

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