America's 250th Anniversary
NEXT. NOW.
Community Futures Challenge
A national innovation platform uniting communities across America. Five regional hubs. Five $50,000 grants. One mission: fuel the ideas shaping our next 250 years.
5
Innovation Hubs
$250K
In Prize Money
50
States Represented
2026-27
Program Duration
What is NEXT. NOW.?
In celebration of America's semiquincentennial, NEXT. NOW. brings together entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and innovators to showcase the promise and prosperity that American innovation brings to local economies and civic life.
Innovate
Submit your community-driven solution — from workforce expansion to infrastructure modernization to small business empowerment.
Compete
Present at one of five regional innovation hubs alongside other top innovators, evaluated by a distinguished panel of national judges.
Win $50K
Five winning teams each receive $50,000 to bring their vision to life, plus national visibility and ongoing ecosystem support.
5 Innovation Hubs
Regional activations across the country, each spotlighting local innovation ecosystems and connecting communities to national networks.
Nashville, TN
University: Vanderbilt / Belmont / MTSU
Healthcare tech & biotech epicenter
Pittsburgh, PA
University: Carnegie Mellon / Pitt
AI & robotics leadership
Tampa, FL
University: U of Tampa / Florida Poly
Florida's high-tech corridor
Phoenix, AZ
University: ASU / W.P. Carey
WMPO Innovation Summit
Austin, TX
University: UT Austin
SXSW global stage
Program Timeline
May 2026
Program Launch & Applications Open
June 2026
Nashville Innovation Hub
September 2026
Pittsburgh Innovation Hub
November 2026
Tampa Innovation Hub
January 2027
Winners Announced (Virtual)
February 2027
Phoenix Innovation Summit at WMPO
March 2027
SXSW Showcase
Meet the Judges
Distinguished leaders from across the country evaluating the next wave of American innovation.
Dr. Velma Trayham
CEO, Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Mark Naufel
President, University of Silicon Valley
Chaucer Barnes
Innovation Leader, New York
Enrique Perret
CEO, US-Mexico Foundation
Hugh Forrest
Founder, SXSW
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals are scored across five dimensions totaling 100 points.
Community Impact
30 ptsAddresses real community needs with measurable outcomes
Innovation
25 ptsNovel approach, model, or technology with creative problem-solving
Feasibility
20 ptsRealistic budget, capable team, achievable timeline
Sustainability
15 ptsLong-term viability, community buy-in, diversified funding
Community Cohesion
10 ptsInvolves the community in design and reduces barriers
Ready to shape America's next chapter?
Applications are open for the Community Futures Challenge. $50,000 grants await the boldest ideas.