Eight members of leadership stand together for a photo at the National Science Foundation site visit.

NEO-SMART: An NSF Engine to propel manufacturing, technology and jobs in Northeast Ohio

At Case Western Reserve University, we are committed to using research to improve people’s lives. As leaders of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine NEO-SMART, we’re collaborating with more than 70 partners across Northeast Ohio to advance the region and the entire state as the national center for manufacturing innovation, technology and jobs.

Learn About NEO-SMART

Eric Kaler portrait.

“The manufacturing challenges of the next decade will be solved by academic researchers, industry partners and factory floor teams who work in collaboration to turn scientific insight into commercial reality. We are tremendously grateful for the extraordinary support and advocacy we received from federal, state and local elected officials that led to this funding opportunity. Together, we will advance the region's growth and prosperity.”

— Eric W. Kaler, President and Morton L. Mandel Presidential Chair 

What is NEO-SMART?

The NSF NEO-SMART Engine is an unprecedented coalition of private industry, civic and philanthropic organizations, higher education, and state and local government in Northeast Ohio that has been awarded a federal grant of up to $160 million to transform Northeast Ohio into a national hub for advanced manufacturing—and bring more research, innovation and jobs to our region.

What will NEO-SMART do?

To build Northeast Ohio’s capabilities as a national hub for advanced manufacturing, NEO-SMART has a robust strategy that includes creating or retaining 20,000 jobs across the region; training 12,000 workers for in-demand, meaningful jobs; reinforcing domestic supply chains; increasing corporate research and development; and bolstering industry-academic partnerships to bring research to real life.

How is Case Western Reserve involved?

While Case Western Reserve University is the lead institution on the NSF NEO-SMART Engine in Northeast Ohio, this is a truly collaborative effort of organizations of all sizes across six sectors and 18 counties. Case Western Reserve helped convene the unprecedented coalition; now, the role as lead institution will be critical in driving research, collaboration and community impact—amplifying the efforts of our 70+ partners to create jobs and spur innovation.

Where can I learn more about NEO-SMART?

Plans for the NSF NEO-SMART Engine in Northeast Ohio are robust and will continue to take shape over the next decade. Read the NEO-SMART award announcement, then explore the partners, leaders and plans on the NEO-SMART website. 

Visit the NEO-SMART Website