Coalition of Northern Forest Innovation & Research
Through a strategic regional partnership, the Coalition of Northern Forest Innovation and Research (CONFIR) leverages knowledge in precision forest management, traditional wood products, and bio-based materials to complement past successes and infrastructure investments with emerging forest-based sustainable products and technologies.
NSF ENGINES Development Award
NNE-PROMISE: Northern New England Precision Forest Management & Advanced Forest Bioproducts Engine
NNE-PROMISE offers NSF a unique convergence of proven infrastructure, ready technology, committed partners, and transformative economic potential across rural America. Building on CONFIR’s foundation, NNE-PROMISE expands the coalition to 137+ partners with $57M in committed matching funds. Led by Principal Investigator Rob Riley, NNE-PROMISE is a finalist for funding under the NSF Regional Innovation Engine, scaling successful models and launching new initiatives.
Existing Infrastructure
Industrial scale facilities
Specialized University research centers
Regional manufacturing network
Proven supply chain from forest to final product
Leveraged assets across the region
Technology Readiness
CNF production
Future patents
Proven techno-economic iability
Industry partnerships to validate market demand
Team Excellence
Multidisciplinary resarch team across 4 universities
Track record in competitive research funding
350+ peer reviewed publications in forest science
Established models for industry engagement
Diverse regional talent pipeline
Economic Multiplier
Cumulative economic impacts
High wage jobs
Steady GDP contribution
Rural community revitalization
Sustainable model to generate long-term returns
Partner Commitment
137+ organizations span entire value chain
Major industry partners
Regional state government backing
$57M+ in committed matching funds
Environmental Impact
Carbon negative production pathways
Replacement of petroleum plastics
100% Biodegradable products
Sustainable forest management
Climate resilience
Latest news on the NNE-PROMISE award can be found on the Northern Forest Center’s website (https://northernforest.org/confir/).
Downloadable pdf of NNE-PROMISE summary sheet can be found here: https://crsf.umaine.edu/resource/nne-promise-summary-sheet/