The CO-WY Engine led by the Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative (dba Innosphere Ventures) has been selected as one of 16 finalists in the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program competition.

Colorado State University is one of five strategically engaged research-intensive institutions supporting and steering the regional initiative.

The CO-WY Engine is committed to scaling the region’s technology-driven, innovation ecosystem, and fostering a network that focuses on climate solutions and community resilience, seeking to support key technology areas outlined in the “CHIPS and Science Act.”

CSU offers demonstrated experience and deep expertise in translating research to transformative environmental monitoring technologies, predictive analytics and decision support systems, increasing the region’s ability to measure, monitor and predict its changing environment and mitigate socioeconomic impacts in its communities.

“This step represents a recognition of CSU and the region as leaders in this space as we approach climate solutions and community resiliency through a holistic lens,” said Christa Johnson, CSU’s interim vice president for research. “We are growing capacity for our communities to engage with the university in novel and impactful ways. As a land-grant university, it is our core mission to fuel economic growth and empowerment, recruiting and retaining the best talent to help our communities thrive.”

Should the region prevail as a winner in the competition, the NSF will award about $15 million in the first two years with potential for up to $160 million over 10 years for the collaborative project. This will enable deeper partnership across sectors including universities, national laboratories, industry partners, nonprofits, venture capital and startup incubators, and public entities to achieve higher-impact solutions.