# Collaborative Research: EPIIC: Building Relationships in Innovation and Development for Growth in Emerging Technologies (BRIDGE-TECH)

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Widener University (PA) · $399,781

## Abstract

The BRIDGE-TECH (Building Relationships in Innovation and Development for Growth in Emerging Technologies) project brings together a cohort of five primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) committed to strengthening regional innovation ecosystems by removing barriers to research, workforce development, and technology commercialization. These institutions each serve regions with untapped economic and technological potential but face common challenges such as limited research infrastructure, fragmented partnerships, and underdeveloped support for technology transfer. Through a coordinated, cohort-based approach, the project will empower faculty and communities by developing sustainable industry partnerships, supporting entrepreneurial programming, and expanding access to emerging technologies. Ultimately, BRIDGE-TECH seeks to build ecosystems where innovation thrives and contributes to long-term economic benefits.

Technically, BRIDGE-TECH proposes a scalable model to increase innovation capacity at PUIs through strategic capacity-building and shared institutional development. The project focuses on five interrelated goals: (1) increase industry-sponsored research, (2) enhance innovation culture and technology transfer, (3) develop design thinking and innovation accelerator, (4) drive and expand innovation in rapid manufacturing, and (5) create synergistic opportunities for academic research. Each institution will implement customized, locally grounded activities, such as 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2519883
- **Awardee organization:** Widener University (PA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GP1SKG5MFH79
- **PI:** Kamran Fouladi
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $399,781
- **Funds obligated:** $399,781
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2519883

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2519883, Collaborative Research: EPIIC: Building Relationships in Innovation and Development for Growth in Emerging Technologies (BRIDGE-TECH). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2519883. Licensed CC0.

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