Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks to Develop Emergent and Responsive Solutions Foundry

Overview

The NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program supports collaboration among K-12 educators, technologists, parents or guardians, and researchers, to develop innovative solutions to persistent challenges in learning and workforce development. These challenges are identified by K-12 students, families, and educators. The program aims to create and scale evidence-based practices, tools, and technologies that improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a digital, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future.

A key focus is early exposure to AI to build curiosity, understanding, and readiness for future careers. The program encourages partnerships to co-design responsive, technology-based solutions between key sectors – schools, universities, industry, government, and nonprofits – and our nation’s families.

NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program includes two phases: Planning and Development. Planning proposals help teams explore one of several focus areas. Only teams awarded Planning grants may submit Development proposals, which support the growth and implementation of promising ideas. [Read full NOFO here.]

Limitation: ASU may submit only one (1) application to the sponsoring organization. An organization may submit only one Planning proposal and, if awarded a Planning award, one Development proposal.
ASU Limited Submissions will run this opportunity with a rapid review system to better accommodate the sponsor's immediate timeline. 

An organization may submit only one Planning proposal and, if awarded a Planning award, one Development proposal.

Each NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY leadership team must have at least one member from each of four stakeholder groups: (1) K-12 educators, (2) technologists, (3) researchers, and (4) parents or guardians. One of these individuals must act as the Principal Investigator (PI) through an eligible organization described above. Co-PIs and additional Senior Personnel, (sub)contractors, consultants, etc., are also allowed.

Unaffiliated individuals are not eligible to submit proposals in response to this solicitation.

There are no PI degree requirements (i.e., the PI is not required to hold a Ph.D. nor any other degree).

Estimated Number of Awards: 70

• An estimated 50 Planning awards of up to $50,000 each for up to 2 months.
• An estimated 20 Development awards of up to $300,000 each for 1 year.

Cost Sharing Requirements: Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.