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NSF ASCEND ENGINE IN Colorado-Wyoming
The new frontier in RELIABLE Climate technologies
The hub of environmental solutions
The region of CO-WY is well-positioned to develop innovative solutions for environmental monitoring, measurement, verification, and prediction. These solutions will empower citizens, communities, governments, and industry to build resilient communities.
“Extreme weather events cost the US $150 billion in 2023, due to direct impacts such as infrastructure damage, worker injuries and agricultural losses”
– US National Climate Assessment, 2023
World Class Innovators and Partners
The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced that the NSF ACSEND Engine in Colorado-Wyoming is an inaugural NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines). The ASCEND will initially receive up to $15 million for the next two years. Through the NSF Engines program, NSF aims to expand the frontiers of technology and innovation, spur economic growth across the nation, and transform entire geographic regions into world-leading hubs of innovation.
The NSF ASCEND Engine is a groundbreaking initiative, set to catalyze a series of significant outcomes that will reshape the landscape of climate technology and regional economic development in Colorado and Wyoming. The first major outcome is the development and commercialization of advanced environmental technologies. These technologies - spanning from environmental monitoring to predictive analytics - aim to empower communities, governments, and industries to effectively navigate and adapt to the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.
By focusing on innovative solutions in areas like wildfire mitigation, water resource management, sustainable agriculture and adaptation to extreme weather events, the NSF ASCEND Engine is poised to revolutionize how we understand, predict and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather.
The NSF ASCEND Engine is set to have a profound impact on workforce development and community engagement.
OUR PARTNERS
Strategic Partnerships
Partnerships that sustain the Engine’s activities include aligning with our region’s assets: federal laboratories, research universities, policymakers/government offices/economic incentives, tribal communities, workforce centers, community colleges, and industry and corporate partners.
Use-Inspired Research
& Development
We recognize the growing risks posed by increasing drought and water scarcity, both in the U.S. and around the world. Our work is guided by the priorities of the communities most impacted.
Translation of Innovations
We have the means to turn data into action — bringing innovative solutions to market to address the most pressing needs of our diverse communities.
Workforce of the Future
Grow the labor force through apprentices, internships, and work-based learning programs, focusing on recruitment and retention from rural communities.
Engine’s technology
focus areas
Our vision is world-changing,
our focus is elemental.
Water Quality & Availability
Soil
Health
Wildfire Preparedness & Response
Air
Quality
10 Year expected outcomes aim to generate significant economic impact:
22K
EMPLOYMENT
GROWTH
GROWTH
$1.5B
GROSS DOMESTIC
PRODUCT
PRODUCT
5K+
INDIVIDUALS TRAINED
FOR WORKFORCE
FOR WORKFORCE
$79M
IN GRANT FUNDS FROM A TOTAL OF 210 R&D
TRANSLATIONAL GRANTS
TRANSLATIONAL GRANTS
Measure.
Monitor.
Mitigate.
Partnering with diverse and underserved communities to create high-impact jobs and sustainable economic growth.
Public
Private
People
Our partners in innovation
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