NSF X-Labs
Administers Launch independent full-time technical innovation organizations pursuing technical breakthroughs that university industry labs cannot solve alone.
NSF X-Labs is a NSF TIP initiative launching independent organizations to pursue high-risk technical breakthroughs, with the stated goal of addressing problems not easily solved by standard university or industry labs. NSF described the initiative in May 2026 as a $1.5 billion effort. The current active topics include Quantum Systems (interconnects and integrated photonics) and Scientific Instrumentation for Sensing and Imaging. Proposal teams are expected to be multidisciplinary, running as dedicated R&D organizations with full-time staffing. Funding is delivered through a SAM.gov solicitation workflow rather than a typical NSF standard solicitation format. Award values are described qualitatively as significant and multi-year, so applicants should rely on the active SAM.gov notice for the specific award mechanics.
Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.