EIF is a national non-profit that promotes the science and technology enterprise through improving university research infrastructure and increasing research competitiveness among historically underfunded states. The National Science Foundation created the first EPSCoR program in 1979 in response to congressional concerns about the geographic concentration of federal funding for academic research and development. Today, EPSCoR, EPSCoR–like, and IDeA programs operate in several federal agencies. EIF was created 16 years later in 1995. EIF collaborates with states and agencies that participate in EPSCoR and IDeA programs. EPSCoR/IDeA are competitive, merit based programs designed to enhance the science and engineering and technology capabilities of states that have historically been less competitive in the research and development arena.