Promoting Scientific Innovation at Scale with Integrated Communications and Operations

Lab mechanisms that are processing samples

The Challenge

U.S. National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) faced a growing challenge after merging several innovation programs—supporting startups, small businesses, and research collaborations—into a new Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP). This shift greatly expanded the organization’s responsibilities, increasing the volume of proposal submissions, stakeholders, and events. To keep pace, NSF needed more streamlined operations, better coordination, and improved communication to continue advancing scientific and technological breakthroughs, uphold its high standards, and make a significant public impact. 

Our Solution

IQ Solutions provided comprehensive support for NSF’s TIP Directorate, streamlining program operations, proposal reviews, and event logistics while enhancing strategic communications. Our team developed custom tools for tracking and automation, led CRM and IT platform transitions, and coordinated webinars and meetings. We also conducted multimedia outreach to increase engagement. By sharing success stories from Seed Fund companies and NSF Engines through newsletters and a dedicated webpage—and reviewing program reports—we spotlighted real-world impact and strengthened community connections. 

Two scientist examining a small device in an office with sticky notes on the wall and a laptop on a desk

The Impact

We enabled TIP to scale from three to 16 programs, supporting nearly 2,000 awardees and processing more than 5,000 proposals annually. We streamlined operations, executed more than 600 high-impact annual events including webinars and merit review panels,, and drove digital transformation through leading-edge platforms—elevating efficiency, visibility, and engagement across NSF’s innovation ecosystem.  

5,000
TIP proposals reviewed annually
600+
High-impact events led annually

Explore Our Impact

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Driving Safer Travel Choices Through Research, Insight, and Action

IQ Solutions research reveals barriers and motivators for safer travel, informing Vision Zero efforts to reduce crashes and expand alternative transit use.

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Protecting Children, Families, and Pets: Disposal of Unused Prescription Drugs

A FDA campaign to remove unused opioids delivered an estimated 1.8 billion impressions and $36 million in ad value.

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Expanding Critical Support Networks for New Mothers Experiencing Maternal Mental Health Challenges

IQ Solutions redesigned the HRSA Maternal Mental Health Hotline webpage, leading to a 503% increase in hotline calls.

Contact

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