Join the coalition led by the University at Buffalo to catalyze AI innovations in healthcare
National Science Foundation Regional Innovations Engines
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF Engines) program accelerates the development of sustainable, inclusive, and geographically diverse regional innovation ecosystems that advance key technologies and address pressing regional, national, societal and/or geostrategic challenges.
NSF Engines must center on a strong R&D and technology topic area and have a cross-sector coalition to build strong relationships among regional stakeholders.
up to $160M
Over 10 years
$15M
First two years
Key Drivers: Engine Programs
Use-Inspired
Research & Development
Translation of Innovations to Practice
Training Programs & Workforce Development
Cross-Sector Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagements
Sustainable Capital & Strategic Investments
Inclusive Regional Engagement
NSF Webinars
UB NSF Engine Vision: AI For Health Innovations
The coalition assembled by UB, supported by the innovation capacity of the SUNY system and the unprecedented New York State investments in AI, is uniquely positioned to become a leader in AI-enabled healthcare innovation, workforce development, and community engagement.
Vision
Become a scalable and replicable national model for community-informed and industry-driven AI innovation in the healthcare sector.
Mission
Create a comprehensive and integrated innovation ecosystem, catalyzing AI-enabled health innovations for immediate regional deployment, from rural to metropolitan communities.
Partner with us to drive innovation and create ecosystem change
We’re seeking cross-sector partners to propose and run programs or projects and commit resources that advance key drivers of innovation and address pressing societal challenges.
Community Partners
Develop inclusive training pathways to equip local talent for emerging jobs, facilitate healthcare access, and address critical community needs
Industry Partners
Be at the cutting-edge of AI technology innovations that tackle complex healthcare programs and gain access to trained talent ready to be put to work
Research Partners
Gain access to R&D seed grants and facilitated clinical data to convert your research into impactful technologies
Cross-Sector Partnerships
UB and SUNY are bringing together a coalition of R&D centers, tech industry leaders, healthcare systems, community organizations, training and workforce development partners, public and private funders, and state agencies. We’re currently seeking additional cross-sector partners to propose and run programs or projects and commit resources that advance key drivers of innovation and address pressing societal challenges.
RESOURCES
COMMUNITY
INNOVATION
INDUSTRY
UB/SUNY Coalition Strengths
The SUNY system, which is home to 64 colleges and universities across New York State, generates $1B annually in R&D expenditures, holds >1,500 patents and >800 licenses, has formed 120 startups, and has 18 innovation incubators. SUNY and UB alike continue to make strategic investments to advance AI innovations. These are just a few of the AI centers and initiatives underway.
Key Drivers: Resources and Programs
The following are examples of programs or resources that could be proposed by partners to drive the Engine.
Engine Innovation Framework: Key Topic Areas
Discovery-Oriented AI to identify novel biomarkers to accelerate disease detection and diagnosis, and accelerate the development of drugs, devices, diagnostics, and assistive technologies.
Operations- and Administrative-Oriented AI to optimize resource allocation, improve system efficiency, and advance cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard sensitive healthcare data.
Patient-Oriented AI to enable personalized care and enhance patient engagement via AI-powered digital health platforms and wearable technologies.
Clinician-Oriented AI to support decision-making, streamline administrative tasks to reduce clinician burnout, and enhance medical training and surgical assistance.
NSF Engines Project Team Leads
Per Stromhaug
Sr AVP for Economic Development, VPRED, BEP
Cell: 607-240-9103
NSF Engines Lead
Carol O'Connell
Assistant VP, VPRED
Project Management, Strategic Partnerships and Consultant Liaison Lead
Albert Titus
AVP for Regulatory Support, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors
Olga Petrova
Director of Innovation Initiatives, BEP
Proposal Development and Grant Writing Strategy Lead
Stacey Johnson
Director of Workforce Development, BEP
Workforce Development Lead
Tracy Krawczyk-Schiedel
Assistant VP for Communications, Marketing & Digital, VPRED, BEP
Marketing, Brand and Communications Lead
Emily Behnke
Director SUNY GROW (Grants for Research, Opportunity and Workforce)
SUNY System Administration Lead