Beyond the Grant: US Ignite’s SURGE Builds an Engine for Lasting Innovation

WASHINGTON, June 03, 2026 – In a landscape dotted with ambitious federal initiatives, the question of what happens after the initial funding fades is a persistent challenge. This week, US Ignite, a nonprofit known for its work at the intersection of technology and community development, launched a compelling answer: the Supporting U.S. Regional Growth & Entrepreneurship (SURGE) Program. Backed by a $3.9 million investment from the National Science Foundation (NSF), SURGE is engineered to provide the critical scaffolding that regional innovation coalitions need to maintain momentum and achieve long-term economic vitality, especially those that haven't secured massive federal grants.

At its core, SURGE addresses a fundamental gap in the innovation ecosystem. While large-scale federal programs catalyze new partnerships and strategies, many regions are left without ongoing support once the initial investment cycle concludes. SURGE steps into this void, offering a structured pathway for both established coalitions and aspiring local leaders to build, grow, and sustain their efforts. The program’s virtual launch on June 2, 2026, brought together key figures from federal agencies, academia, and economic development to underscore a unified message: sustainable growth requires more than just a check; it requires a blueprint and a community.

A Blueprint for Sustained Growth

From my vantage point in the Engine Room, I appreciate a well-designed system, and SURGE is built on a robust architectural framework. The program eschews a one-size-fits-all approach, instead guiding regional coalitions through a thoughtful four-phase model designed to build capacity and resilience over time. This structured process provides the clarity and actionable steps necessary to turn ambitious visions into tangible economic outcomes.

The journey begins with the Diagnose phase. Here, coalitions undertake a rigorous assessment of their readiness, identifying the specific barriers that hinder progress and clarifying the most promising opportunities. This foundational step ensures that all subsequent actions are grounded in a clear-eyed understanding of the region's unique strengths and weaknesses.

Next, the Strategize phase translates that diagnosis into a concrete plan. US Ignite works alongside participants to develop tailored funding pathways, craft effective governance models, and create detailed action plans. This is where the abstract goal of “innovation” is molded into a practical roadmap, complete with milestones and defined responsibilities.

With a strategy in place, the program moves to Connect & Execute. This phase leverages US Ignite’s extensive network, connecting regions with peers, subject matter experts, and mentors who can provide targeted support for implementation. This is about orchestrating the right resources at the right time, helping coalitions overcome hurdles and accelerate their progress.

Finally, the Sustain phase provides the long-term support crucial for lasting impact. Through ongoing mentorship, coordination, and accountability mechanisms, SURGE helps coalitions maintain momentum long after the initial excitement has worn off. This focus on sustainability is what sets the program apart, aiming to create self-sufficient ecosystems that continue to drive innovation, commercialization, and workforce development for years to come.

Building on a Foundation of Experience

The NSF's $3.9 million investment is a significant vote of confidence, not just in the SURGE model but in the organization tasked with executing it. US Ignite brings over a decade of experience in building and managing the very kind of peer networks that are central to SURGE’s mission. The nonprofit operates like a high-tech startup, with a portfolio of successful projects that demonstrate its ability to translate emerging technology into practical community benefits.

Their work includes strengthening broadband planning in cities like Syracuse, NY, and deploying advanced AI-driven public safety tools. Through its Smart Bases program, US Ignite has developed solutions for military installations, including an award-winning weather decision support application for Fort Carson. This deep experience in stakeholder engagement and technical execution provides a credible foundation for leading a national initiative like SURGE.

“On behalf of US Ignite and the SURGE team, we’re excited to openly welcome regional coalitions across the country to join,” said Dr. Nick Maynard, CEO of US Ignite. “With over a decade of experience in building and managing peer networks grounded in emerging tech areas, we’re eager to begin connecting regional coalitions to the right resources so that they can move faster and generate sustainable economic growth.”

The National Strategy for Local Innovation

SURGE does not operate in a vacuum. It is a strategic component of a much larger federal vision to expand the geography of American innovation. The NSF's Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (NSF TIP) has made place-based innovation a cornerstone of its strategy, most notably through the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, which makes massive, long-term investments in select regions.

SURGE cleverly complements the Engines program by providing a vital support system for the many other deserving regions across the country. It ensures that promising ideas and burgeoning coalitions don't wither on the vine, thereby strengthening the entire national innovation landscape.

Joda Thongnopnua, Special Advisor for NSF TIP, articulated the program's strategic importance during the launch. “Strong regional innovation clusters are vital to our nation's economic competitiveness and national security,” he stated. “SURGE is designed to help regions across the United States build, foster, and scale those clusters more effectively by working with pairing local leaders with resources tailored to their particular place.”

The Voices of Experience

The program’s launch was co-chaired by leaders who have spent their careers building the very ecosystems SURGE aims to support. Their insights reflect a deep understanding of the human elements required for success. Craig Buerstatte, a Senior Fellow at Lead for America, captured the spirit of the initiative, sharing, “My hope for us all is that we can move from a competitive, place-based investment environment to a collaborative, place-based environment.”

This sentiment was powerfully echoed by his co-chair, Dr. Dedric Carter, whose extensive background includes co-founding the NSF's influential I-Corps program and now serving as Vice President for Commercialization and Translational Advancement at UNC Health System. Dr. Carter emphasized the foundational principles that underpin any successful collaborative effort.

“Lasting ecosystems are built on three really important things,” he noted. “The first is trust – it's earned over time, it's never assumed. The second is execution – moving from vision to action consistently. The third is community, knowing that you're not alone. The thing I love about SURGE is it's designed to deliver all three.”

With its structured model and experienced leadership, SURGE is poised to become a critical piece of infrastructure for America’s next generation of innovators. By offering a hand-up rather than just a handout, the program invites regions across the country to join a national network dedicated to turning local potential into lasting prosperity. Those interested in participating can explore resources and sign up for engagement opportunities at the program's official website.