NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE)

Transforming Utah's Carbon Storage Landscape; Revitalizing Economies University of Utah researchers have been awarded $35 million in grants to expand research into commercial-scale carbon storage across Utah. Beyond reducing atmospheric carbon and promoting a healthier environment, these projects will create high-skilled jobs across geoscience, engineering, environmental management, and data analysis. Engaging local communities—particularly in regions historically reliant on fossil fuels—ensures that they can take part in these emerging sustainable career paths. https://lnkd.in/gkBZStrs

🌱 Celebrating 500 learners in SWSIE Sustainable Workforce Development Training 🌱 Arizona State University’s NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE) has reached an exciting milestone—over 500 learners have participated in SWSIE Sustainable Workforce Development Training. This milestone reflects a growing commitment to sustainability across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah to solve some of the region’s most pressing climate challenges, including renewable energy, water security, and carbon emissions. The SWSIE Education Hub offers a powerful way for organizations and individuals to contribute to regional sustainability. It offers a diverse range of programs tailored to various aspects of sustainability and climate education. 🌎 Be part of the movement and enroll today! https://lnkd.in/g9bCBwek National Science Foundation (NSF) #Sustainability #WorkforceDevelopment #SWSIE #ASU #ClimateAction ASU Learning Enterprise

SWSIE Team Presents at Watershed Symposium in Utah   SWSIE representatives from the engine’s University of Utah (UU) team presented multiple sessions at the annual Salt Lake County Watershed Symposium on November 20-21, 2024. Over 450 people attended the symposium, where SWSIE co-principal investigator Brenda Bowen (UU) gave the event’s keynote address, “Framing the Future of Watershed Stewardship.” Bowen also joined UU SWSIE team leaders Meghan Dovick, Marian Rice, and Sarah Hinners for a plenary panel discussion that introduced the engine and provided information about its roadmapping, workforce development, and water-focused shovel-ready projects. The symposium convened water stewards and environmental advocates from myriad sectors within the Salt Lake Watershed to engage in vital conversations about the region’s water-related issues. “This event brings together everybody who cares and is actively working on our region’s watershed,” says Bowen, who has been attending the event for over a decade. Following her keynote and plenary session, Bowen noted that dozens of people approached her to learn more about the engine and get connected with SWSIE’s work. “A lot of relationships across those water-focused sectors helped build a foundation for SWSIE,” Bowen explained. “Our involvement in this year’s symposium served an essential purpose in explaining the engine and how folks can get involved.” #NSFEngines National Science Foundation (NSF) #SWSIE

Katie Pettinger is here to help bridge the considerable gap between coming up with a good idea and turning that idea into something people can use. As the new chief innovation officer of NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE), she’s responsible for developing a robust organization to accelerate the solutions and new technologies generated throughout SWSIE to commercialization. Pettinger brings in-depth knowledge of every aspect of research commercialization, with previous roles in academia, industry, nonprofits and government. She co-founded successful research-based startup Gadusol Laboratories, worked for Oregon State University as a commercialization manager and entrepreneurship coach, and was a tech scout for an Oregon innovation fund. Most recently, she designed a Department of Energy-funded tech accelerator program for the U.S. Research Impact Alliance. Read the full interview: https://lnkd.in/gmEES3H8 #NSFEngines #NationalScienceFoundation #SWSIE #TechnologyCommercialization National Science Foundation (NSF) ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory

Because of the NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE), Desert Research Institute is excited to explore daily remotely sensed evaporation at Lake Powell using Hydrosat’s own high-resolution, 20-m thermal imagery. https://lnkd.in/ebTBvthJ #DiscoverDRI #SWSIE

Launched last week, the SWSIE Innovation Grant is still open for applications! Submit your application by Dec 6: https://lnkd.in/gEMJMqjK

WhereAir is tackling Arizona's water security and groundbreaking Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH) technology. Their team has developed a clear pathway to transform their research into market-ready solutions. Their prototype is in refinement stage, and soon they'll be able to bridge the gap between lab innovation and customer-ready products. Keep an eye here on WhereAir is headed next!

The NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE) team is thrilled to announce that the Innovation Grant competitive funding program is officially open! This is your chance to pitch groundbreaking projects addressing critical sustainability challenges in energy, water and carbon sectors. What’s on the Table? Non-dilutive funding ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 for startups with ideas that can drive impactful change. This program, powered by the NSF Innovation Engines, aims to advance sustainable technologies while strengthening the economic and climate resilience of Arizona, Utah and Nevada. Deadline: Submit your project pitch by Friday, December 6, 2024, 11:59 PM (MST) How to Apply: Visit the Innovation Grant – Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine portal for detailed guidelines and the application process. https://lnkd.in/gEMJMqjK #Sustainability #Innovation #NSFEngines #SWSIE #Entrepreneurship National Science Foundation (NSF) ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory

Exploring the Future of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) 🌱 Join us on November 21, 12–1:30 PM MST for an engaging panel discussion on the cutting-edge of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technology and innovation. Hear from leading experts as they delve into how markets, technology, and regulations are shaping and accelerating efforts to combat climate change through CDR. Whether you're a researcher, industry professional, policymaker, or simply passionate about sustainable solutions, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 📅 Mark your calendars! 💡 Let’s innovate for a cleaner future—together. ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory Imperial College London #CDR #Innovation #Sustainability #Technology #NSFEngines #CarbonRemoval

One of the objectives of the NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE) is to support decarbonizing the electric grid and advancing the deployment of Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) -- all furthering the use of renewable energy. In alignment with this objective, SWSIE is sponsoring an LDES Symposium at Arizona State University on December 3, 2024. Join us to hear from various companies actively working on LDES applications and organizations supporting LDES development.