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The Research Institution GAP Fund and Accelerator Program Summit

NSF Funds 5 Projects for 2nd Phase of 5G Accelerator Program – ExecutiveBiz

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October 16-17, 2025 / Seattle, WA

The annual summit for research institution gap fund and accelerator programs, including proof of concept programs, startup accelerators, and university venture funds

The Story

The National Science Foundation is investing a total of $25 million to support the second phase of five projects that aim to enhance 5G network infrastructure.

The grants, which were awarded by the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, are part of the Convergence Accelerator Track G program, the foundation said Thursday.

The teams are led by Johns Hopkins University, University of Colorado – Boulder, University of Kansas, SRI International and AT&T.

The studies include protecting 5G communications from exposure to adversaries, using human-centered artificial intelligence to improve 5G connectivity for warfighters and first responders, and developing zero trust technology to enable secure situational awareness sharing in military operations.

Douglas Maughan, head of the Convergence Accelerator, said the program prioritizes solutions that he described as “high-impact”. He also explained that, under the current phase, the grant awardees will work not only to develop prototypes but formulate sustainability plans as well, in order to guarantee success beyond the program.

 

Full story: NSF Funds 5 Projects for 2nd Phase of 5G Accelerator Program – ExecutiveBiz

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The Consortium provides a dedicated, institutional coordinating forum for collective insight, program refinement, and structured engagement with aligned commercial, investment, and philanthropic partners.

GAP are an interdependent institutional innovation and capital strategy that includes:

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  • Proof of concept programs

  • Startup accelerators

  • University venture funds

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