NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine • Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Owner / Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation

Lead Institution: Arizona State University

Regional Partners: University of Nevada, Las Vegas; University of Utah; Desert Research Institute; Water Research Foundation; SciTech Institute; Maricopa Community Colleges

Location: Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Grant ID: NSF Grant-2315479

Services: Industry and Community Partnership Strategy

Funding Award: $15 million initial award; eligible for up to $160 million over 10 years

Status: Active

The Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE) is a federally funded initiative advancing regional innovation and economic development through sustainability-driven industries. Selected as one of the first Regional Innovation Engines supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the SWSIE is anchored by Arizona State University and spans Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

The Engine responds to the region’s pressing environmental challenges—from prolonged drought and rising temperatures to shrinking water supplies—as catalysts for long-term resilience. Its focus areas include carbon capture, renewable energy, and water security, with the goal of cultivating high-wage industries and inclusive economic growth.

This cross-sector initiative brings together academic institutions, community organizations, nonprofits, and industry leaders. Primary institutional partners include Arizona State University (Lead), University of Nevada, Las Vegas, University of Utah, Desert Research Institute, the Water Research Foundation, SciTech Institute, and Maricopa Community Colleges.

Place Collaborative played a key role in shaping the Engine’s approach to community and industry collaboration, helping to ensure that local voices, equity-centered practices, and long-term public benefit are embedded in its foundation.