NSF Technology Research Institutes Act

NSF Technology Research Institutes Act

This bill authorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) to awards grants and cooperative agreements to institutions of higher education, or consortia thereof, for the planning, establishment, and support of Technology Research Institutes in key technology areas, as determined by the NSF.

Funds awarded may be used by an institute to, among other things

• conduct fundamental research to advance innovation in a key technology area;
• conduct research involving a key technology area to solve challenges with social, economic, health, scientific, and national security implications; and
• further the development, adoption, and commercialization of innovations in key technology areas.

In making awards, the NSF shall ensure the focus areas of an institute do not substantially and unnecessarily duplicate the efforts of any other institute or any other similar effort at another federal agency.