RETI Advances in NSF Innovation Challenge

Pittsburgh, PA, July 9, 2025 — The Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure Consortium (RETI), an initiative focused on commercializing high-impact innovations in West Virginia and western Pennsylvania, was chosen as one of only 29 semifinalists in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines initiative, from a pool of over 300 proposals nationwide. RETI is a collaboration of dozens of innovation ecosystem partners, and is led by West Virginia University (WVU), the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), and the U.S. Research Impact Alliance (USRIA).

The NSF Engines program represents a once-in-a-generation investment in place-based innovation, with up to $160 million available for select Engines to supercharge regional economic transformation through science and technology. RETI’s inclusion in this elite group is a significant step toward realizing its vision of revitalizing energy infrastructure and advanced manufacturing across Appalachia.

“This semifinalist recognition from the NSF validates the strength of our region’s partnerships and recognizes the potential for our region’s researchers and entrepreneurs to solve many of our nation’s most difficult problems,” said Matt Harbaugh, Executive Director of USRIA.

Building on the momentum of its NSF Engines planning grant, RETI has rapidly coalesced support from more than 60 public, private, and nonprofit partners. Together, the consortium is working to develop cutting-edge solutions in smart grid management, cyber-secure systems, energy storage, and low-emission manufacturing—from hydrogen-based steelmaking to advanced chemical processes.

With more than $160 million in matching partner commitments, RETI aims to generate over $1 billion in economic impact, catalyze the creation of 21,000+ jobs, and launch more than 150 new startups throughout West Virginia and western Pennsylvania.

“We’re honored to stand beside WVU, Pitt, and CMU in this transformative work,” Harbaugh added. “The RETI Engine is more than an energy solution—it’s a blueprint for regional revitalization powered by collaboration, research, and resolve.”