ARIZONA NEWS

ASU innovation engine gets $15M to support future sustainability

Jan 31, 2024, 4:15 AM

Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine from ASU wins $15M...

The engine is designed to combat climate change in the Southwest. Utah's Great Salt Lake, pictured above, has endured decades of doubt. The SSIE will work to turn climate issues into economic opportunities. (Shuttershock Photo)

(Shuttershock Photo)

PHOENIX — Federal officials awarded an ASU-led innovation initiative millions of dollars, federal officials said Monday.

The Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SSIE) deploys new solutions to extreme regional dryness and heat. It will work to address water scarcity and ensure equitable water and energy access, according to the Biden administration.

The SSIE was one of 10 inaugural National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines to receive a $15 million federal investment. However, each of the NSF awardees will be eligible to receive upwards of $2 billion, the announcement said.

How will this benefit Arizona?

A Monday announcement from ASU said the effects of climate change are clear in the American Southwest, from extreme heat in Arizona to dwindling water resources in the region.

The Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine uses climate challenges to “catalyze economic opportunity” by introducing high-wage industries to the Southwest and making the region a leader in:

– Carbon capture.
– Water security.
– Renewable energy.

Although ASU leads the engine, it’s ultimately a multi-institutional enterprise. That means ASU works with academic, community, nonprofit and industry partners across Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

Several Arizona politicians played critical roles in making the SSEI a reality, according to a Tuesday announcement from Sen. Mark Kelly and Reps. Greg Stanton and Ruben Gallego.

What to know about the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine

The $15 million investment will come to Arizona over the next two years.

Kelly, a lead negotiator of the CHIPS and Science Act, said Arizona is a national leader in climate solutions.

“I secured funding to supercharge innovation through programs like NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines,” Kelly said in a statement. He also said the SSEI will turn Phoenix into a hub for “critical research initiatives.”

Overall, it will boost Phoenix’s economy, tackle climate change and secure Arizona’s water future, Kelly added.

Stanton, who represents Arizona’s fifth Congressional district, said Valley innovation is improving in terms of both advanced manufacturing and climate change solutions.

“This historic investment will help ASU researchers and their regional partners advance cutting-edge technologies to improve sustainability and long-term climate resilience,” Stanton said in a statement.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A pedestrian died after a vehicle hit her on a West Valley street Friday night, authorities said....

David Veenstra

Pedestrian dies after vehicle hits her on West Valley street

A pedestrian died after a vehicle hit her on a West Valley street Friday night, authorities said.

2 hours ago

Reusable serveware now in use at Phoenix Convention Center...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Convention Center to introduce reusable food and drink packaging

Head to the Phoenix Convention Center and you'll notice you can now eat and drink from reusable serveware when attending events.

4 hours ago

Peoria Police department...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Peoria police search for vandals who caused $30-40K worth of park damage

The Peoria Police Department is asking the public for help in finding the suspect responsible for vandalizing and causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage to a local park.

14 hours ago

Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight offered through Allegiant...

Serena O'Sullivan

Fly high: Phoenix travelers getting new nonstop flight option for Pittsburgh through Allegiant

Planning a business trip? You can now book a Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight through Allegiant at Sky Harbor International Airport.

15 hours ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Phoenix man charged after police seized 100,000 fentanyl pills

A man in Phoenix was pulled over by police during a routine traffic stop, which led to the seizure of about 100,000 blue fentanyl pills.

16 hours ago

Thomas Galvin AZ Political Podcast...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Thomas Galvin on public funding for sports teams, speed of election results

On this week's edition of AZ Political Podcast, Thomas Galvin discusses public funding for sports teams and how election results can be sped up.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

ASU innovation engine gets $15M to support future sustainability