When it comes to shaping the future of innovation ecosystems, few opportunities are as meaningful as the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines program. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate our involvement as the External Evaluator for an extraordinary applicant: MAGNET — the “Manufacturing, Automation, and Global Network for Emerging Technologies” initiative.
TL;DR: We are honored to serve as the External Evaluator for MAGNET’s NSF Engines application. MAGNET is a visionary effort to transform the tri-state region of Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia into a powerhouse of innovation in manufacturing and automation. Our team is deeply committed to supporting this “labor of love” and eagerly awaits the outcome.
A Vision for the Battery Belt’s Future
The MAGNET initiative brings together a dynamic consortium led by The University of Alabama, Mississippi State University, and the University of Georgia, along with multi-state public utility Southern Company. Their shared goal? To build a globally competitive innovation ecosystem in manufacturing and automation across northern Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia.
MAGNET’s approach is comprehensive: strengthening research and development capabilities, fostering entrepreneurial activity, accelerating technology commercialization, and expanding workforce development. The ultimate aim is not just economic growth, but inclusive and equitable growth across all communities in the region.
Why This Matters to Us
Our team at E.B. Howard Consulting is proud to be part of MAGNET‘s journey. Serving as the External Evaluator is not just a role we fill — it is a labor of love. Our work involves designing and implementing rigorous evaluation frameworks that will ensure MAGNET can demonstrate measurable impact, tell its success story, and scale sustainably.
We believe evaluation is more than accountability. It is about learning, improving, and amplifying impact. In MAGNET’s case, it is about helping to build an innovation engine that will drive the Battery Belt’s economy for generations to come.
What Happens if We Do Not Act
Without initiatives like MAGNET, the tri-state region risks falling behind in the fast-paced global competition for manufacturing innovation. Critical investments in research, education, and workforce development could lag. Economic opportunities could bypass underserved communities. The gap between today’s capabilities and tomorrow’s needs would widen.
The Solution
MAGNET is the answer to that gap. Through strategic partnerships, industry-driven research, inclusive education initiatives, and a culture of innovation, MAGNET aims to:
- Create high-paying jobs,
- Attract top-tier talent,
- Develop breakthrough technologies,
- Strengthen the Battery Belt region’s role as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and automation.
Our rigorous evaluation approach will help MAGNET showcase its progress every step of the way, offering stakeholders confidence, clarity, and a blueprint for replication.
We cannot wait to see the outcome of MAGNET‘s NSF Engines application. Regardless of the result, this collaboration has already demonstrated the power of what is possible when visionary leadership, cross-sector partnerships, and rigorous evaluation come together.
We invite you to follow MAGNET‘s journey, support regional innovation efforts, and celebrate the dedicated teams that make these transformative initiatives possible.
Together, we are building something truly remarkable.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.