University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is contributing to the C4 initiative by advancing faculty development, building regional innovation networks, and connecting students to hands-on opportunities across Oklahoma’s business and technology sectors. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration and shared knowledge platforms, UCO is enhancing its ability to prepare students for careers in a rapidly shifting economic landscape.

Northeast State Community College seeks to leverage the NSF EPIIC award to build institutional capacity to cultivate and sustain meaningful industry and community partnerships in support of the advanced manufacturing sector. The award will enable NeSCC to modify institutional processes and structures to improve coordination with external partners and increase alignment between College programs and advanced manufacturing workforce needs. EPIIC-supported strategies, including the adoption of a customer relationship management platform and redesign of curriculum advisory boards, are expected to result in increased responsiveness to industry needs and enable the College to become more fully engaged in the regional innovation ecosystem.

As a leader in career-focused learning, Champlain College will use the EPIIC investment to advance its workforce and industry partnerships across the state, preparing the emerging workforce for jobs in leading science and technology fields. The College will also receive training and support from NSF to build innovation capacity and secure future funding by tapping into regional ecosystems.

Central Washington University (CWU) is using the C4 project to deepen ties with regional industry, expand research engagement across disciplines, and enhance student learning through practical, workforce-connected experiences. CWU’s participation strengthens its capacity to contribute to Washington’s innovation ecosystem while fostering long-term partnerships that advance economic and technological growth.

Andrews University is using its EPIIC grant to expand industry partnerships and enhance innovation capacity through its Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The university’s Industry Lab connects students and faculty with external organizations, fostering collaborative research and experiential learning opportunities. Through projects in engineering, technology, and healthcare innovation, Andrews aims to strengthen its regional economic impact and prepare students for emerging technology fields.

Seattle University’s EPIIC grant is supporting cross-disciplinary innovation between its College of Science and Engineering and Albers School of Business and Economics. The university will use the funding to strengthen workforce development, experiential learning, and industry partnerships focused on emerging technologies. Through collaboration with regional industries and partner institutions, Seattle University aims to broaden participation in inclusive innovation ecosystems and amplify its impact on STEM-driven economic growth.

This partnership is focused on building the capacity of three PUIs to sustainably increase the number of partnerships to drive workforce development and research projects between faculty and students, industry, and IHEs.

Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology brings its mission of advancing equity in technical education to the EmpowerEd EPIIC cohort. With a student body primarily composed of first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students, the institute will use its EPIIC funding to deepen industry partnerships, align curricula with real-world workforce needs, and prepare students for careers in high-demand technology sectors. This work builds on the institute’s strength in hands-on technical training and commitment to bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations.

With this EPIIC grant, UMD has set the following capacity-building goals for building sustainable collaborations with external partners:

• Consolidate various disparate research resources under one common umbrella to improve visibility and accessibility to all faculty and staff.

• Develop significant innovation partnership opportunities through increasing networking opportunities by incentivizing external partnerships, providing seed funding for external collaborative projects, and understanding barriers to collaboration from external partners.

These goals align directly with UMD’s Strategic Plan to advance UMD’s regional, national, and international reputation for high-quality and impactful research, scholarly, and creative activities , as well as advance UMD’s profile as an intentional and pivotal partner for Duluth, the Northland, and Minnesota.

The University of the Incarnate Word brings a strong foundation of community engagement and support for diverse student populations to the EMERGE Cohort. Through its participation in the EPIIC program, the university will expand its outreach and research development capacity while fostering regional partnerships in emerging technologies. Its efforts will focus on empowering historically underserved populations in South Texas by promoting social and economic mobility through innovation-driven training and collaboration.

University of Detroit Mercy is leveraging its EPIIC funding to deepen industry-sponsored research partnerships and expand experiential learning opportunities for its engineering and science students. The project focuses on fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, physical cybersecurity, and product innovation. By collaborating within the EXPAND consortium, Detroit Mercy will strengthen its research profile and drive workforce development initiatives that serve Michigan’s growing innovation economy.

Kettering University brings its long-standing strength in cooperative education and industry-aligned STEM training to the EMERGE Cohort. As part of the EPIIC program, Kettering is advancing faculty-industry partnerships to enhance regional innovation capacity and workforce development in emerging technologies. The university’s role focuses on building scalable models of engagement that connect research with practice, benefiting both students and external stakeholders.

Marymount University supports the LIGHT UP Collaborative’s mission by contributing to the development of a robust research and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the mid-Atlantic region. Drawing on its strengths in student-focused teaching and proximity to national industry and government hubs, Marymount aims to bridge classroom learning with real-world application. While no dedicated institutional press release was available, the university’s involvement in LIGHT UP reflects its strategic investment in faculty innovation, student training, and cross-sector partnerships.

Western Carolina University contributes its regional focus and inclusive mission to the EMERGE Cohort, helping expand innovation networks across the rural South. As part of the EPIIC initiative, WCU will build strategic partnerships with local stakeholders to support workforce resilience and innovation in emerging tech fields. With a commitment to serving first-generation and low-income students, WCU plays a vital role in ensuring that rural communities are included in the broader national innovation landscape.

This collaboration focuses on building our capacity for research projects between university faculty, industry partners, and community stakeholders, while simultaneously developing the regional workforce for these entities.

Western Washington University (WWU) is using its position within the Cascadia innovation corridor to expand institutional capacity for industry and NGO partnerships. Through the SUPER initiative, WWU will centralize partnership infrastructure, train faculty across STEM departments, and connect students to applied research experiences in areas like AI and biotechnology to strengthen both workforce readiness and regional innovation.

The NSF EPIIC award enables the Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) to expand its role as a regional hub for biotechnology workforce development and innovation. EPIIC funding supports CBET in strengthening partnerships with two- and four-year colleges, biotech startups, and small companies to create collaborative training programs, shared research opportunities, and seamless career pathways in biomanufacturing and bioprocessing.

With this support, CBET will enhance its existing talent pipeline—which spans from middle school STEM programs to graduate degrees and post-graduate fellowships—by developing new articulation agreements, industry-aligned micro-credentials, and internship networks designed to meet the needs of New York's growing bioeconomy. Additionally, EPIIC funding will help CBET maximize the use of its state-of-the-art facilities and expertise to provide technical training, contract research, and proof-of-concept support for emerging biotech companies. These efforts will directly address regional workforce shortages and position CBET as a key contributor to national bioindustrial innovation and capacity-building initiatives.

Ohio Wesleyan University is using its EPIIC funding to build the EmpowerEd framework, integrating practical STEM training with the strengths of a liberal arts education. Through structured internships and partnerships with corporate mentors in central Ohio, OWU aims to close the gap between academic preparation and job market readiness. Faculty will collaborate closely with students and industry leaders to ensure that graduates are not only technically capable but also equipped with the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that today’s STEM careers demand.

Weber State University (WSU) is part of a multi-institutional initiative funded under the National Science Foundation’s Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) program. The project, titled "Collaborative Research: EPIIC - Cross-Continental Collaboration Coalition (C4)," aims to enhance research capacity, workforce alignment, and industry engagement through cross-institutional partnerships

Overarching Goals

The primary goals of WSU’s NSF EPIIC award include:

1. Building Regional Innovation Partnerships – Establishing and strengthening relationships between academia, industry, and government to drive regional economic development and technological innovation

2. Enhancing Research Capacity – Improving research infrastructure and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and institutions to address complex scientific and engineering challenges

3. Aligning Academic Programs with Workforce Needs – Expanding student employment opportunities through direct engagement with industry partners, creating internship pipelines, and supporting skill development in high-demand areas such as aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity

4. Cybersecurity Compliance & Industry Readiness – Achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 to ensure WSU can securely engage with defense and aerospace industries, thereby increasing research funding opportunitie

5. Asset Mapping & Strategic Alignment – Conducting a comprehensive self-assessment to catalog WSU’s research assets, making them accessible to external partners and enhancing collaboration across the EPIIC cohort

6. Living Labs for Hands-On Learning – Creating hands-on research experiences for students through industry-sponsored projects that merge academic learning with practical, real-world problem-solving

This project unites Hawai‘i Pacific University, Paul Smith’s College, and the University of the Virgin Islands to address challenges faced by geographically isolated "islanded" communities.

Roanoke College's NSF EPIIC award has allowed the establishment of the Roanoke College EPIIC Initiative. The first and immediate goal of the Initiative is to equip our faculty, staff, and students with the resources, experience, terminology, and processes to initiate connections with the Roanoke region’s science, technology, engineering, math, and health (STEM-H) innovation ecosystem. The second and longer-term goal is to envision and implement pathways for the College to build capacity and efficiencies to convert these STEM-H connections into mutually informed durable partnerships as part of regional STEM-H infrastructure development.

With this NSF support, Roanoke College EPIIC Fellows (selected faculty/staff) and EPIIC Scholars (selected students) are identifying the current state of foundational processes required to initiate and build regional partnerships. This information will position Roanoke College to partner more effectively with regional STEM-H organizations to better address regional workforce needs. In collaboration with our colleagues at Albion, Canisius, and NW Arkansas, we are generating a toolkit of materials relevant to partnership building (e.g., literature, definitions, processes, sample documents) that will support other smaller higher education institutions to build and sustain partnerships within their regional innovation ecosystems.

Looking longer-term, the Roanoke College EPIIC Initiative has begun to promote an institutional culture shift about partnership building by establishing a community of practice focused on partnerships both within and beyond the STEM-H innovation ecosystem. One of the core goals of both the Initiative and the community of practice is to identify and develop institutional policies, procedures, and resources that will sustain the partnership building efforts of the College beyond the support of the award.

The Connect Four cohort is a collaboration between Canisius University, Albion College, Roanoke College, and NorthWest Arkansas Community College. Our overarching goal is to build regional innovation partnerships to enhance workforce development. Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) and two-year institutions lack the resources and infrastructure to develop the partnerships needed to fully participate and drive broader change. Through collaboration Connect Four members seeks to overcome these challenges by:

1. Scaling up Capacity to develop and sustain external partnerships

2. Expanding our Connections to a wider network of external partners

3. Developing improved means of Communication with critical stakeholder groups

4. Converting of one-off interactions into models of sustainable and repeatable partnerships at scale

The Canisius Team is actively collaborating with local industry and government entities to build strong partnerships. These efforts include engagement with sectors such as healthcare, critical infrastructure, and advanced STEM research. The response has been tremendous, leading to Canisius-led workshops that educate the workforce and the identification of research opportunities that provide students with valuable experiential learning.

Coppin State University is leading the HBCU-ASPIRE initiative to strengthen research capacity and institutional infrastructure among Historically Black Colleges and Universities. With a focus on overcoming long-standing barriers to funding and innovation, Coppin is enhancing its Office of Sponsored Research and faculty development programs. The university is committed to establishing best practices that support a sustainable research enterprise and elevate the role of HBCUs in national and global innovation ecosystems.

Alvernia University is using its LIGHT UP participation to scale applied research through its O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. The initiative supports student experiential learning, expands faculty-led projects, and strengthens partnerships with local industries and business incubator clients. The grant is also helping Alvernia expand its presence in downtown Reading through new spaces for business incubation and retail development, which are expected to contribute significantly to regional economic growth.

FDU’s goals for capacity-building and expanding partnerships fall into 4 broad categories: Collaborate, Advance, Facilitate and Empower.

• Goal 1: Create collaborative opportunities for engagement within FDU that increase interdisciplinary opportunities for funding with engagement industry partners.

• Goal 2: Advance FDUs visibility and ability to successfully engage with Industry Partners

• Goal 3: Facilitate the capacity and infrastructure of Grants and Sponsored Projects (GSP)

• Goal 4: Empower FDU faculty, staff and students with tools needed to obtain external funding.

Key activities during the three-year period include opportunities for seed grant funding, workshops and trainings, professional development support, research infrastructure enhancements, opportunities for collaboration with industry partners, and opportunities to enhance cross-institutional research capacity.

Rowan College at Burlington County is part of the LIGHT UP Collaborative’s effort to strengthen regional innovation and workforce ecosystems. While institution-specific media coverage is limited, RCBC’s role focuses on creating structural support for economic development initiatives and helping to build a platform for regional partnerships. Through the collaborative, the college contributes to a community of practice aimed at expanding research commercialization and fostering entrepreneurship across the mid-Atlantic region.

Montgomery College, a public two-year institution with a longstanding dedication to accessibility and equity, is leveraging its EPIIC award to strengthen STEM pathways for traditionally underrepresented students. The college will build deeper relationships with industry partners to align programs with workforce needs, while also enhancing faculty training in emerging technologies. Through EmpowerEd, Montgomery College will create scalable and inclusive models for STEM education that can serve as blueprints for other community colleges nationwide.

The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire aims to enhance its innovation capacity by strengthening connections with industry partners. This requires a cultural shift—both in how industry perceives the university and in how the university values external collaborations. By transforming these perspectives, UWEC will expand its external partnerships by increasing their number, deepening existing collaborations, and broadening engagement across the university.  The EPIIC grant supports this effort by mapping current STEM partnerships, identifying potential new collaborations, and recognizing opportunities to expand existing ones. Faculty Partnership Fellows in each STEM department play a key role in this process, acting as liaisons and advocating for the value of industry engagement in tenure and promotion decisions. Additionally, UWEC is streamlining collaboration with industry by establishing the Office of Corporate and Community Partnerships as a central access point and simplifying partnership agreements.

The RAISE project unites the University of Alaska Anchorage, Salisbury University, and Valdosta State University to develop AI-driven solutions to rural challenges.

Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU) is leveraging its unique position within Hawai‘i’s islanded environment to strengthen its role in the state’s innovation and sustainability ecosystem. Through PARADISE, HPU is expanding research capacity, building industry-informed partnerships in areas such as marine science and renewable energy, and integrating indigenous knowledge into research to drive culturally grounded solutions to environmental and economic challenges.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) is leveraging its role as a primarily undergraduate institution in Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic region to expand student-centered, faculty-led partnerships in emerging technologies such as data science and artificial intelligence. Through EPIIC, CNU will foster sustainable collaborations with industry and higher education institutions to enhance research capacity, workforce development, and regional innovation.

Kean University is leveraging its LIGHT UP participation to build an institutional infrastructure that supports translational research, technology licensing, and industry collaboration. The university is establishing an office of technology transfer and commercialization and aims to raise its research profile as part of a broader strategic goal to become a Carnegie R2 institution. Faculty leaders are focusing on turning faculty discoveries into commercial solutions while cultivating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship on campus.

SUNY Oswego is leveraging the C4 initiative to build interdisciplinary collaborations across its School of Business and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, aligning faculty research and student experiences with Central New York’s emerging innovation economy. Through the creation of the Center for Business Excellence and Transformation, Oswego is expanding its capacity to support entrepreneurship, clean energy research, and workforce readiness while connecting students directly to regional industry needs and opportunities.

The Schools of Engineering and Science at The College of New Jersey seek to use the NSF EPIIC award to increase the number, diversity, and depth of external partnerships. We aim to be viewed as true partners in the innovation ecosystem that exists in New Jersey. Furthermore, we aim to change the internal structures and attitudes surrounding external partnerships at TCNJ by creating boiler-plate documents to define partnerships and encouraging faculty to explore partnerships using incentives. We are supporting four faculty fellows to serve as EPIIC ambassadors; these fellows are pursuing a variety of partnerships and engagements in their research and courses.

NSF funding will allow the college to hire an Employer Engagement Specialist to strengthen and grow industry partnerships within our regional Advanced Manufacturing ecosystem and create professional development seminars for faculty on building effective partnerships. Additionally, the college will develop resources to more effectively engage employer partners in regular discussions about industry needs, guide industry partnerships, and explore registered apprenticeship programs. These initiatives align with TCC's strategic goals to enhance community partnerships and workforce development, ultimately increasing student enrollment and the number of credentialed workers in the region. 

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) plans to greatly expand and institutionalize our nascent Front Door capacity and capabilities in industry-engagement through achievement of the BICEP cohort’s objectives of 1) Operational Maturity, 2) Partner Management, and 3) Professional Development, to firmly establish the university reputation as a premier talent and technical solutions provider for the regional innovation ecosystem. The learnings from evolution of these processes will, in collaboration with the BICEP cohort, develop best practices and a blueprint for dissemination within the ERU community. We are intentional on creating new best practices to ignite the potential of regional, comprehensive universities for participation in innovation ecosystems and contribution to the economic vitality of their communities.

The University of Maine at Farmington aims to leverage the NSF EPIIC award to increase innovation capacity and training in biotechnology within the state of Maine.  Working with in-state and regional partners, such as The Roux Institute and biotechnology companies, we will develop new and innovative pathways to train students for biotech careers and build capacity to contribute to this expanding field.  We are also broadly interested in collaborative work to further develop novel educational pathways and career pipelines in emerging areas, through recruitment efforts, articulation agreements, micro-credentials, and internship opportunities.

California State University, Chico is participating in the C4 collaboration to expand regional innovation partnerships and strengthen research capacity across STEM and applied fields. By investing in industry-aligned curriculum development and faculty infrastructure, Chico State aims to enhance experiential learning for its students and respond more effectively to California’s evolving workforce demands.

This is a collaborative project in which the cohort institutions will work together grow industry partnerships, improve alignment of program curricula with industry needs, and enhance faculty skills and knowledge of emerging technologies.

As part of the LIGHT UP Collaborative, SUNY Canton is enhancing its innovation ecosystem by integrating research, entrepreneurship, and workforce development efforts across its academic programs. With a strong emphasis on applied learning, the college engages students in research projects in engineering, cybersecurity, and the social sciences, supported by dedicated faculty and labs such as the AISP Lab. The institution is also working to strengthen research administration, technology transfer, and commercialization practices, helping broaden participation in federal research across underrepresented and community-focused institutions.

This collaborative aims to enhance research capacity in MSIs and PUIs by fostering industry partnerships, aligning curricula with workforce needs, and strengthening administrative capabilities for improved STEM education and innovation.

Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU), as a member of the BICEP cohort, will build capacity for the expansion and sustainability of comprehensive partnerships and increased sponsored applied research with regional companies. We seek to have regional companies think of the university as a partner of choice spanning a wide range of needs in solving their technical problems, implementing new technologies, developing their workforce, and anticipating sector changes.

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is leveraging its EPIIC award to drive workforce development and entrepreneurial growth in Colorado’s Front Range, particularly among underserved and agricultural communities. Led by the Monfort College of Business, the largest NSF grant it has ever received, UNC is providing technical support to local startups, expanding advanced agriculture tech and biotech initiatives, and increasing training for both students and regional workers. As part of the EMERGE Cohort, UNC is helping create scalable, inclusive models of innovation that strengthen regional economies and empower historically marginalized populations.

Santa Clara University (SCU) aims to leverage the NSF EPIIC award to build capacity for comprehensive external partnerships that strengthen and increase resources for its academic programs and that lead to greater impact within its regional innovation ecosystem. Desired outcomes include a) to establish SCU as a differentiated academic partner in the region, offering deep technical expertise supporting use-inspired research and professional development in critical areas of interest, and b) to develop new initiatives and support collaborative work in a trusted, efficient and timely manner.

BICEP is a team of four universities with the shared goal of collaboratively building their institutional capacity and knowledge for growing external partnerships that advance key technologies within their innovation ecosystems.

The Building Opportunities for Outstanding Skills Training in Advanced Manufacturing for Southeastern Two-Year Colleges project addresses the urgent need for a skilled workforce in advanced manufacturing within the Southeastern United States.

Madison Area Technical College is building a new center for emerging electronic manufacturing technologies, focusing on semiconductor fabrication, automated PCB assembly, and quantum photonics. Through its EPIIC-funded CHIP project, Madison College will expand hands-on training, faculty development, and partnerships with industry to drive workforce innovation and economic growth. The initiative will prioritize creating pathways for underrepresented populations and strengthening the regional high-tech ecosystem.

Ohlone College is leveraging its EPIIC grant to enhance its biotech program, expand research capacity, and strengthen regional innovation partnerships. Through its collaboration with Jefferson College, Ohlone will build strategic industry and educational connections while developing a framework for recruiting and retaining a diverse STEM workforce. These efforts will empower students, faculty, and industry partners to contribute to a dynamic regional economy rooted in creativity, research, and entrepreneurship.

PSC will launch an Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI) to integrate research, enterprise, and innovation into student learning and faculty engagement initiatives. A cabinet level position will be created to direct OSI and provide a direct line to institutional leadership and decision making on research development and opportunities for the college. Building on a successful multi-million dollar research institute at PSC, additional research and learning institutes will be launched focused on forestry, culinary arts and adventure hospitality and resiliency (i.e., disaster management response in relation to environmental change). Research administration capacity in OSI will be evaluated by an outside evaluator and recommendations made to strategically improve execution of research activities for PSC, including operationalization of the research institutes on campus. 

Ivy Tech Community College seeks to utilize the NSF EPIIC award to establish a Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT) within its Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology and Industrial Technology programs. This collaboration between industry partners and faculty will ensure timely updates on technological advancements and workplace changes, enabling the programs to better anticipate future workforce needs and proactively adjust curricula. Additionally, the initiative will develop career pathways that include both general STEM courses and industry-specific coursework, complemented by industry visits that offer hands-on learning experiences for students in each career path. The program will also provide valuable information for K-14 schools to guide students in their career planning.

The University of St. Thomas is leading the EXPAND consortium’s efforts to strengthen industry-academic partnerships across engineering and computer science fields. Through streamlined partnership management, faculty development, and targeted industry engagement, St. Thomas aims to amplify regional innovation capacity and build a resilient academic-industry collaboration model. These initiatives will create new opportunities for students, faculty, and industry partners alike in Minnesota and beyond.

Independence Community College (ICC) is leveraging its EPIIC award to empower rural communities through education-driven economic development. The RREDI project at ICC focuses on building strong internal and external collaborations, expanding STEM education aligned with Kansas Educational Standards, and fostering industry partnerships that promote job creation and workforce training. By combining academic excellence with strategic community engagement, ICC is using innovation hubs as catalysts for sustainable rural prosperity.

The “Connect Four” project brings together Albion College, Canisius University, Northwest Arkansas Community College, and Roanoke College, each well positioned to advance innovation in relevant regional ecosystems.

This collaborative project aims to enhance innovation capacity among PUIs by fostering collaboration, best practices, and workforce access for underrepresented students in STEM, within a regional ecosystem.

The NSF EPIIC award allows William Rainey Harper College (Harper) to implement strategic and thoughtful employer engagement and workforce development practices. With the support of a proactive cohort, Harper aims to create a scalable and replicable plan for transitioning academic programs from traditional advisory models to the BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Team) framework. The project team will leverage insights gained from implementing BILT to establish best practices, training, and processes, setting a new standard for the College. Harper’s EPIIC award specifically supports the creation of a Semiconductor Repair Technician program, supporting the “Manufacturing Corridor” of Chicago in implementing semiconductor manufacturing in response to the CHIPS Act of 2022. By fostering deeper engagement with employer partners in curriculum development, Harper will not only cultivate a highly qualified workforce to meet regional demand for innovative technologies, but will also create valuable experiential learning opportunities for students through internships, apprenticeships, and more. These opportunities will be curated through BILT meetings, with employer partners recognizing community colleges as effective collaborators, thus establishing a foundation of trust. Additionally, Harper plans to implement a centralized system for tracking employer outreach and engagement using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. This system will streamline communication efforts while enabling strategic analysis of data to optimize employer engagement and resource allocation.

Lawrence Technological University (LTU) is leveraging its 3-Year NSF EPIIC award to expand and enhance the vitality of sustained industry partnerships, research, and collaboration, and to increase LTU’s impact on the region’s innovation ecosystem as part of its newly formed Research and Economic Development organization. We are working closely with our BICEP Cohort to achieve the grant objectives of improving Operational Maturity, conducting Faculty Professional Development, and increasing Industry Partner Engagement. In collaboration with the BICEP Cohort, we will develop a blueprint of Best Practices that can be used as a guidebook for increasing regional innovation ecosystem impact for emerging research universities.

Spartanburg Community College (SCC) will utilize the NSF-EPIIC award to cultivate, grow, and sustain relationships with business and industry leaders in the regional advanced manufacturing industry. Project activities include hiring a Director of Manufacturing Partnerships to build and sustain industry relationships, implementing professional development for faculty and staff related to strengthening industry partnerships, and integrating data from credit and noncredit programming into data systems and dashboards. As a result of the BOOST project, SCC will develop relationships with manufacturing partners, gather competitive intelligence to analyze industry workforce development needs, and develop data-informed solutions, including the implementation of new and enhanced credit and noncredit programs that align with industry workforce needs.

The C4 project is an interdisciplinary endeavor among five primarily undergraduate, four-year institutions, to address the multifaceted challenges encountered in higher education today. while recognizing the pivotal role of industry collaboration.

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) is leveraging its EPIIC funding to launch the Center for the Future of Work, a hub designed to strengthen industry partnerships, research workforce challenges, and drive innovation in emerging technology fields. By aligning activities with the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model, Tri-C will enhance collaboration with employers to address skills gaps, demographic shifts, and hybrid work models. The initiative aims to create sustainable pathways for workforce development and economic growth in Northeast Ohio.

Hawai‘i Community College is advancing its capacity to build long-term, impactful partnerships in AgTech, agroforestry, and environmental science through the CIRCLET initiative. By formalizing industry relationships, dedicating staff to partnership management, and implementing a CRM system to track engagement, the college aims to foster a more resilient and skilled workforce. These efforts support sustainable regional development and position Hawai‘i CC as a key contributor to Hawaii’s innovation ecosystem.

Jefferson College is using its EPIIC funding to expand its grants and sponsored research infrastructure and build stronger ties with industry and four-year research institutions. As part of the CAREERS Workforce collaboration, Jefferson College will implement a robust grants management system, establish research pathways, and strengthen its regional workforce development efforts. These initiatives aim to create new opportunities for students while enhancing the college’s role in Missouri’s growing innovation ecosystem.

As a partner in the RREDI initiative, Longwood University is building innovation hubs to address socio-economic challenges in rural Virginia. Longwood’s efforts are focused on strengthening partnerships with regional stakeholders and fostering collaboration between higher education and local industries. By creating pathways for workforce development and entrepreneurship, Longwood is helping position rural communities for long-term innovation and economic resilience.

Members of this EPIIC Project share a common vision to EMERGE as recognized partners in research and development (R&D), translation of research into practice, and talent development in emerging technology fields.

Northern Marianas College is participating in the CIRCLET project to create a sustainable model for institutional partnerships that promote research and workforce development in life-sustaining technologies. With dedicated staff and tools to track and manage partner engagement, NMC aims to build lasting relationships that align educational efforts with regional economic needs. The initiative will strengthen the college’s role in advancing AgTech and environmental innovation across the Mariana Islands.

Youngstown State University is using its CHIP EPIIC award to deepen its partnerships with high-tech industry leaders and enhance experiential learning opportunities for students. By focusing on innovation-driven workforce development, YSU will help bridge the gap between academic preparation and the demands of emerging technology sectors. These efforts will expand the university’s role in supporting Northeast Ohio’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Rose State College is participating in the Eco Engine Jumpstart Kit project to enhance its institutional capacity for innovation, external partnerships, and entrepreneurship. As part of this EPIIC collaboration, Rose State will develop strategies to increase faculty and student involvement in research and sponsored programs while building a sustainable technology transfer framework. These efforts aim to improve the college’s competitiveness, create pathways for student innovation, and support regional economic development across Oklahoma.

As a liberal arts institution with a strong foundation in STEM, Hobart and William Smith Colleges are using their EPIIC award to integrate liberal arts thinking with technical skills demanded by the 21st-century workforce. Faculty leaders are spearheading collaborative efforts to enhance curricula with input from industry and government partners, ensuring that students are equipped with both critical soft skills and practical, technical expertise. Through EmpowerEd, HWS will advance innovation capacity across the region and contribute to building a more agile and inclusive STEM workforce.

Albion College is using the Connect Four initiative to deepen faculty-industry collaboration, expand its regional innovation footprint, and provide students with real-world experiential learning opportunities that directly support workforce development. By establishing administrative support structures and aligning classroom learning with industry needs, Albion is strengthening its capacity to build repeatable, scalable partnerships across Michigan’s regional ecosystem.

Somerset Community College (SCC) is using its EPIIC grant to expand research, workforce development, and innovation partnerships across rural Kentucky. Through the Eco Engine Jumpstart Kit initiative, SCC aims to integrate STEM research and economic development efforts into its educational mission, increasing engagement with businesses, universities, and regional stakeholders. By cultivating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, SCC will help create new opportunities for students and the broader community, strengthening its role in local economic growth.

Georgia Piedmont Technical College is using its EPIIC funding to lay the groundwork for grant writing, industry outreach, and workforce development initiatives targeted at smaller institutions. Through the WICRP project with Hampton University, GPTC will help create a replicable framework for technical and community colleges to strengthen innovation capacity and external partnerships. This work will address structural inequities faced by MSIs and empower regional institutions to drive economic development through strategic, data-driven collaboration.

Athens State University is leading efforts within the FUTURE cohort to build lasting partnerships between academia and industry across rural regions. With its EPIIC grant, ASU is developing centralized resources, training faculty for interdisciplinary collaboration, and expanding advisory boards to ensure programs remain aligned with regional workforce needs. The initiative will strengthen ASU’s role as a driver of economic growth and innovation in Alabama and beyond.

Georgia College & State University is using its EPIIC grant to increase faculty engagement in industry-aligned interdisciplinary research and establish stronger ties with rural industries. Led by PI Dr. Hasitha Mahabaduge, the FUTURE project supports student learning through hands-on innovation projects and aims to launch an Institute for Entrepreneurship and Academic Innovation. The initiative will facilitate knowledge transfer to regional partners while contributing to economic development and enhancing the university’s strategic goals.

Through the CIRCLET project, the College of Southern Nevada is focused on strengthening its engagement with regional partners in agriculture and environmental sciences to support economic and workforce development. CSN is addressing challenges in sustaining partnerships by establishing formal agreements, staffing for relationship management, and implementing systems to ensure accountability and progress tracking. These steps will build a foundation for long-term collaboration and expand innovation capacity in Southern Nevada.

Angelo State University is using its EPIIC grant to establish the ASU Innovation Hub, a center for research collaboration, workforce development, and industry partnership. The Hub will serve as a focal point for internal and external collaboration, connecting faculty, students, and industry leaders to foster regional economic development. By strengthening research capacity and creating new pathways for student internships, apprenticeships, and employment, ASU aims to drive innovation and socio-economic growth across West Texas.

Harris-Stowe State University is enhancing its research infrastructure and institutional capacity through its participation in the HBCU-ASPIRE cohort. With targeted improvements to its Office of Sponsored Research, faculty training programs, and grant management systems, Harris-Stowe is positioning itself as a more competitive institution for national funding opportunities. These efforts will support broader institutional goals to foster innovation, research excellence, and workforce development in underserved communities.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is leveraging its GRIP EPIIC award to deepen employer engagement and align academic programs with the region’s growing workforce needs. By implementing the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model, MGCCC will ensure that local industry leaders help shape curriculum content, anticipate future labor demands, and co-lead workforce development strategies. These efforts will expand opportunities for student internships, apprenticeships, and real-time career alignment in Mississippi’s emerging tech and manufacturing sectors.

Benedict College is leveraging its EPIIC award to strengthen its role in South Carolina’s innovation ecosystem by enhancing infrastructure for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Through the Eco Engine Jumpstart Kit project, Benedict will focus on increasing faculty and student engagement in sponsored projects, strengthening external partnerships, and developing technology transfer processes. These efforts align with the college’s strategic priorities to cultivate economic development, drive innovation, and support student success in the state’s growing technology economy.

Western New England University (WNE) is using its EPIIC grant to establish a new Office of Sponsored Projects and expand its external research partnerships. By building institutional capacity and connecting faculty with regional innovation networks, WNE aims to elevate its research profile and strengthen its contributions to workforce development and economic growth in Massachusetts. Through collaboration with EXPAND partners, WNE will help demonstrate how smaller institutions can drive impactful innovation.

Richard Bland College of William & Mary is using its EPIIC funding to strengthen its research and innovation infrastructure, with the goal of enhancing participation in regional economic development initiatives. Through the RREDI project, RBC is building external partnerships, expanding access to innovation ecosystems, and supporting inclusive STEM education. This effort aligns with the college’s broader mission to create engaging learning environments and contribute to the growth of Virginia’s rural innovation economy.

Owens State Community College is participating in the CHIP initiative to strengthen connections with high-tech industries and foster regional economic development. Through the EPIIC project, Owens will focus on creating sustainable partnerships, enhancing workforce development programs, and addressing the evolving needs of emerging technology sectors. These efforts will position Owens to better serve students, industry partners, and the broader Ohio innovation ecosystem.

The Milwaukee School of Engineering is participating in the EXPAND consortium to build sustainable industry collaborations and bolster experiential learning in emerging engineering and technology sectors. MSOE will work alongside partner institutions to share best practices, enhance faculty engagement, and establish new pathways for technology transfer and commercialization. These efforts aim to position MSOE as a vital contributor to regional innovation ecosystems.

Tuskegee University is participating in the CHIP cohort to expand its innovation capacity and workforce engagement in high-tech and emerging industries. As a historically Black university with a strong STEM foundation, Tuskegee will leverage the EPIIC program to build sustainable industry partnerships and advance workforce training aligned with future technological needs. This collaboration supports Tuskegee’s broader mission to promote inclusive excellence and regional economic development.

Florida Memorial University is using its role in HBCU-ASPIRE to build research development infrastructure and foster strategic partnerships that expand access to STEM innovation. With support from the NSF’s EPIIC and HBCU-Excellence in Research programs, FMU aims to strengthen pre- and post-award systems, elevate faculty support, and position its scholars to secure competitive national research funding. These efforts will help FMU shape a more inclusive innovation environment in South Florida and beyond.

The collaborative project aims to broaden the participation of two-year institutions of higher education in emerging technology programs by increasing the capacity and infrastructure to grow and sustain strong regional partnerships.

WSU Tech is participating in the GRIP cohort to strengthen industry partnerships and modernize workforce training programs across the Wichita region. By adopting the BILT model, WSU Tech aims to increase industry co-leadership in curriculum design, enhance faculty-industry collaboration, and develop strategic plans to scale these partnerships long term. These efforts will reinforce the college’s role in advancing regional economic growth and cultivating a more diverse and future-ready workforce.

Arkansas Tech University (ATU) is leveraging the BUILD initiative to strengthen its role in Arkansas’ statewide research ecosystem and rural economic development. Led by Dr. Georgeanna Wright and supported by institutional leadership in research and sponsored programs, ATU aims to expand research capacity by aligning faculty work with regional partnership opportunities and transitioning individual collaborations into sustainable institutional ones. Through targeted strategies like gap analysis, governance reform, and improved research administration, ATU is working to enhance competitiveness and address regional brain drain in STEM fields.

WICRP is a collaborative initiative between Hampton University and Georgia Piedmont Technical College and aims to enhance the ability of both institutions to form external partnerships that boost academic and innovative growth.

Washburn Tech is using its EPIIC GRIP grant to become a more integral part of Northeast Kansas’s manufacturing ecosystem by embedding regional employers directly into program development through the BILT advisory model. This employer co-leadership approach will enhance the college’s responsiveness to labor market trends and produce work-ready graduates equipped with in-demand skills. The initiative also funds a work-based learning coordinator to expand partnerships and boost student career pathways in cutting-edge technologies.

Southern Utah University is advancing its innovation ecosystem by participating in the FUTURE project, focused on expanding faculty capacity and creating lasting industry partnerships. Through this NSF-supported collaboration, SUU will develop a centralized resource hub and engage stakeholders via student showcases and advisory board enhancements. These efforts aim to foster entrepreneurship, improve workforce readiness, and support long-term economic prosperity in rural Utah.

BUILD is a collaboration between Arkansas Tech University (ATU) and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) to improve their institutional position to engage with Arkansas’ state-wide research ecosystem.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is a key partner in the BUILD initiative, aiming to expand its research infrastructure and deepen its role in southeastern Arkansas’ economic development. UAPB is focused on building sustainable external partnerships that align with employer needs and increase institutional competitiveness in securing funding. Through shared governance, enhanced pre- and post-award services, and institutional policy reform, UAPB is committed to growing an inclusive STEM workforce and reversing the regional loss of research talent.

This is a collaborative project across the following institutions: The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC).

Columbus State Community College is leveraging its EPIIC grant to expand research and training capacity in response to the region’s growing advanced manufacturing and semiconductor industries. Through the ETCHING cohort, CSCC aims to strengthen employer partnerships, develop innovative instructor-sharing models, and enhance resource development efforts to better serve emerging technology sectors. The college’s initiatives will focus on increasing workforce diversity and creating scalable strategies for engaging underserved populations in new career pathways.

This collaboration will enhance workforce partnerships, address skills gaps, and promote innovation in emerging technologies through collaborations with community colleges and industry under the NSF EPIIC initiative.

The LIGHT UP Collaborative aims to establish a community of practice to develop and enhance a research and innovation ecosystem that capitalizes on external partnerships to shape the STEM talent pipeline and workforce development.

The collaborative project aims to develop an Eco Engine Jumpstart Kit to improve under-resourced colleges' engagement with innovation ecosystems through infrastructure solutions, enhancing research and entrepreneurship capacity across networks.

Kentucky State University is contributing to the HBCU-ASPIRE project by identifying and addressing internal challenges that limit research growth, particularly those related to infrastructure and faculty engagement. Through this NSF-supported initiative, KSU is implementing proven strategies to expand its research enterprise, with a focus on equity, sustainability, and capacity building. The project aligns with the university’s broader goal of expanding its impact on STEM innovation and workforce development.

Cal Poly Humboldt State University is using its EPIIC funding to strengthen innovation capacity and expand workforce development opportunities within its rural region. As a member of the SCORE cohort, Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to building partnerships with industry, fostering experiential learning, and supporting students from low-income and historically underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. Through collaboration with fellow primarily undergraduate institutions, the university aims to create lasting models of innovation that enhance access to advanced career opportunities and drive regional economic growth.

Saint Francis University is using its EPIIC grant to grow a regional innovation ecosystem that connects students, faculty, and industry partners. Through its Curry Innovation Center, the university will provide experiential learning opportunities, student internships, and faculty-supported research collaborations focused on solving real-world industry challenges. By building institutional knowledge and external partnerships, SFU aims to enhance workforce development and drive economic innovation across rural Pennsylvania.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will leverage its EPIIC grant to launch the Center for Business Analytics, advancing workforce development and regional economic growth. The Center will offer training programs, industry workshops, and hands-on learning experiences in business intelligence, data analytics, and AI technologies. These efforts support Saint Mary’s vision to position itself as a thought leader in technology-driven business education and innovation.

UVI will establish roles to foster community-industry relations and address environmental legacies from past industrial activities. The first objective is to enhance research-based partnership development by assigning a Partnership Coordinator that is responsible of organizing theme-based events. In addition,  UVI will encourage collaboration by inviting teams to submit proposals for developing use-inspired research projects. The second objective is to enhance collaboration skills in interdisciplinary teams of faculty and students. The proposed activities include developing a curriculum for advanced partnership development, providing training through workshops and seminars, and cultivating extramural partnerships. Lastly, the third objective is to establish and launch an Interdisciplinary Partnership Development Seed Grant Fund.

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is using its EPIIC grant to expand external partnerships and align STEM education with regional workforce needs. Through the SUPER Partnerships Collaborative, MGA will enhance its research infrastructure, build industry relationships, and better prepare students for STEM careers through hands-on experiences and targeted workforce development. Faculty and staff are working with other cohort institutions to design programs that create pathways for undergraduates into key technology fields. These efforts position MGA to deepen its role in Georgia’s innovation ecosystem and secure future funding opportunities.

Valdosta State University is advancing AI research and community partnerships across rural Georgia as part of the RAISE project. By developing institutional capacity in research leadership, external engagement, and interdisciplinary applications of AI, VSU is helping local partners address real-world challenges in education, agriculture, and energy. As a Minority Serving Institution, VSU is committed to expanding access to technological innovation for underrepresented populations and preparing students for the future AI workforce.

The University of Alaska Anchorage is using the RAISE project to build sustainable AI partnerships that meet the needs of Alaska’s rural and Indigenous communities. Through collaboration with local stakeholders, UAA aims to strengthen institutional capacity, expand research leadership, and apply AI to practical challenges in areas such as energy, education, and agriculture. The university is focused on ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies while cultivating long-term innovation ecosystems across the state’s remote regions.

As part of the RAISE project under NSF’s EPIIC program, Salisbury University is applying AI solutions to support local agencies, businesses, and nonprofits on Maryland’s rural Delmarva Peninsula. Led by faculty from the Computer Science Department and the Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship, SU is conducting AI readiness assessments, developing custom algorithms, and mentoring students in real-time problem-solving for community partners. Their work emphasizes demystifying AI, promoting workforce development, and helping rural organizations stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) is leveraging the SUPER initiative to develop institutional infrastructure that supports long-term, scalable partnerships with industry and non-governmental organizations; by focusing on applied research and faculty development, WTAMU will expand student engagement in key technology fields and contribute to economic growth in the Texas Panhandle region.

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), a leading HBCU, is spearheading the SUPER Partnerships Collaborative to enhance innovation capacity across the cohort. With EPIIC support, WSSU will grow external research partnerships, expand workforce development initiatives, and create more inclusive research ecosystems. The university’s leadership aims to position WSSU and its partners for participation in NSF Engines and other major national innovation efforts. This project highlights WSSU’s commitment to preparing a skilled and diverse STEM workforce.

This project is a collaborative initiative involving the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez, West Texas A&M University, and Western Washington University.

Onondaga Community College is collaborating with CSCC through the ETCHING project to grow partnerships with industry, expand research development capacity, and prepare a diverse workforce for emerging high-tech industries. OCC will focus on building deeper collaborations with four- and two-year institutions, addressing faculty shortages, and implementing models for industry expert engagement. This work will position OCC as a leader in developing inclusive, innovative strategies that can be replicated by other colleges across revitalizing industrial regions.

University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez is advancing its role as an emerging minority-serving institution by strengthening internal systems for building and sustaining industry and NGO partnerships. Through the SUPER initiative, UPRM will implement customized strategies to support faculty training, enhance institutional frameworks, and connect students to real-world research experiences in high-growth sectors such as semiconductors and biotechnology.

Saint Vincent College will leverage its EPIIC award to strengthen ties with regional industries and build internal capacity for external funding and research partnerships. By surveying local corporate partners and internal stakeholders, the college aims to identify barriers and opportunities to grow its innovation footprint. Saint Vincent plans to develop microcredential programs and workforce initiatives targeted at emerging STEM fields, such as quantum computing. These efforts will help expand student opportunities and support regional economic development.

North Arkansas College will use its EPIIC funding to strengthen industry and educational partnerships in the region, with a focus on preparing students for STEM careers. As part of the SUPER Partnerships Collaborative, the college will work closely with local employers and other cohort institutions to align educational experiences with workforce demands. The project will also enhance North Arkansas College’s research capacity and support the development of inclusive innovation ecosystems. These efforts aim to create broader opportunities for students from rural and underserved communities.

Hampton University is leveraging its EPIIC grant to strengthen its capacity for building strategic, sustainable industry partnerships and regional innovation networks. In collaboration with Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Hampton is developing a toolkit to formalize partnership processes, with a focus on monetizing research and creating new workforce development opportunities, particularly for underrepresented groups and women in STEM. These efforts aim to model best practices that other HBCUs and MSIs can adopt to expand their engagement with emerging technology fields and regional economies.

Northwest Arkansas Community College is advancing its role as a key player in regional economic development by using the Connect Four project to create sustainable pathways between academic training and industry needs in the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas innovation corridor. Through expanded faculty engagement, administrative infrastructure, and strategic outreach, NWACC is equipping students, including nontraditional learners, with the skills, connections, and experiences necessary to thrive in high-demand STEM fields.

Bowie State University, a historically Black university, is participating in LIGHT UP to amplify inclusive innovation efforts and extend its capacity in research and entrepreneurship. The university contributes to the collaborative’s goal of building a region-wide infrastructure to support emerging technology commercialization and strengthen connections with both industry and government. As part of this work, Bowie State helps model how minority-serving institutions can drive economic development through research-based academic partnerships.