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The Technology, Innovation & Partnerships (TIP) Directorate, established as the first new directorate at the National Science Foundation in over three decades, signifies a pivotal shift towards fostering innovation and facilitating partnerships that transcend traditional research boundaries. The inception of the TIP Directorate is a testament to the NSF's commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the nation's scientific and technological landscape.

Within this visionary framework, the Regional Innovation Engines Program emerges as a groundbreaking NSF investment, designed to catalyze regional economic development through innovation and research. This program is not merely an initiative; it's a movement towards creating sustainable ecosystems that can nurture groundbreaking ideas and translate them into impactful societal benefits.

The Builder Platform is conceived from the ambition to provide unparalleled support to the awardees of the Regional Innovation Engines Program. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities that come with such a novel initiative, the NSF sought to craft a support mechanism that is as innovative as the projects it aims to nurture. The Builder Platform embodies this vision by integrating the best practices from venture capital, philanthropy, and public-private partnerships.

At its core, The Builder Platform is a human-centered platform designed to amplify the impact of common regional assets. It serves as a bridge connecting the dots between innovation, investment, and implementation. The platform is meticulously crafted to support the awardees through every stage of their journey, ensuring that the path from ideation to impact is not just envisioned but realized.

The Builder Platform stands as a beacon of innovation, showcasing how strategic support structures can enable the actualization of groundbreaking ideas. It is a testament to the NSF's forward-thinking approach, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and strategic investment in driving regional innovation ecosystems forward. Through The Builder Platform, the NSF not only invests in projects but invests in the future, creating a template for how public and private entities can come together to build a more innovative and prosperous world.