NSF to Invest up to $160 Million in Regional Regenerative Medicine Research

The Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine, based in Winston-Salem, is a recipient of the first-ever US. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine (NSF Engines) awards in partnership with educational institutions and other organizations across the region.

Led by Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), the regional innovation engine team includes Forsyth Technical Community College (FTCC), North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T), the RegenMed Development Organization (ReMDO), and Winston Salem State University (WSSU).

First Lady Jill Biden and NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan announced the awards in Winston-Salem. The NSF Engines grant provides $15 million for the first 2 years of the project and up to $160 million for 10 years.

“Wake Forest University is proud to be an engine in our city and region for scientific and medical innovations that have the power to transform and save lives,” said Wake Forest University President Susan R. Wente. “This National Science Foundation grant will have a transformative impact in advancing regenerative medicine and catalyzing significant economic development across our city and region. With WFIRM’s partnerships with North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State University, and Forsyth Tech, this grant will also create important pipelines into STEM careers.”

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine is recognized as an international leader in translating scientific discovery into clinical therapies, with many world firsts, including the development and implantation of the first engineered organ in a patient.

“We are excited to work with the NSF in the formation of a regenerative medicine engine that is centered on the development of use-inspired products, training and commercialization, thereby expanding job opportunities and economic development to our region,” said Dr. Anthony Atala, director of WFIRM.

Launched in May 2022, the NSF Engines program uniquely harnesses the nation’s science and technology research, development enterprise and regional-level resources.