Northeast Ohio named semifinalist for $160 million NSF Innovation Engines Grant
A regional coalition led by Case Western Reserve University has been named a semifinalist for the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) prestigious Regional Innovation Engines program. The federal initiative is offering up to $160 million in federal funding over 10 years.
Known as NEO-SMART (Northeast Ohio Smart Materials Acceleration for Regional Transformation), the proposal is one of only 29 semifinalists selected from across the U.S. It’s the only team in Ohio still in the running for this competitive award, which aims to strengthen regional economies through place-based tech ecosystems.
The Big Idea
NEO-SMART’s focus is on leveraging Northeast Ohio’s deep expertise in advanced materials and manufacturing, especially in metals, polymers, chemicals, and coatings. The goal is to create an innovation engine that not only develops new technologies but also accelerates commercialization and workforce readiness across the region.
If selected, the funding would support collaborative R&D, new pilot programs, and AI-enabled smart manufacturing infrastructure. The initiative also emphasizes sustainability, with planned work around materials reuse, energy-efficient production methods, and responsible scaling of innovation.
Who’s Involved
More than 60 public, private, nonprofit, and academic organizations are backing the NEO-SMART effort. Key partners include:
Academic & Research: Case Western Reserve University, University of Akron, Lorain County Community College
Economic Development: Greater Cleveland Partnership, Team NEO, Cleveland Foundation, JobsOhio
Innovation & Manufacturing: JumpStart, MAGNET, Polymer Industry Cluster, and a range of regional manufacturers
This multi-sector coalition is designed to ensure that R&D outcomes translate into real-world business growth and job creation.
What’s Next
All semifinalist teams are now entering a six-month planning and refinement phase. NSF will conduct virtual site visits and review detailed implementation plans before selecting a smaller number of full Engine awardees in early 2026.
If successful, the Northeast Ohio engine would join a select group of federally funded innovation hubs positioned to lead national tech priorities while driving regional transformation.
Why It Matters
Northeast Ohio has long been known for its industrial strength and this bid signals a future where it could become a national leader in next-generation smart manufacturing. The NSF Engines designation would not only bring capital but also national visibility, long-term research support, and stronger bridges between universities and the private sector.