The NSF National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NQNI) Grants 2026 are now open for eligible U.S. institutions seeking major research infrastructure support in quantum technologies, nanotechnology, semiconductors, AI, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. This new U.S. National Science Foundation program will build a nationwide, open-access network of university user facility Sites, with awards ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000 per year for up to 5 years. NSF expects to make 8 to 16 awards, with an overall anticipated funding range of $60 million to $100 million. This is a strong opportunity for U.S. universities and higher education institutions that already have advanced fabrication, characterization, and technical expertise and want to expand shared access, workforce development, external user services, and regional partnerships. It is not a standard individual research grant for a single lab or student. Instead, it is a large-scale infrastructure opportunity for institutions ready to serve broader academic, industry, and government user communities.
NSF NQNI USA Grants 2026-Overview
- Host Country: United States
- Funding Organization: U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Program Name: National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NQNI)
- Solicitation Number: NSF 26-505
- Funding Type: Research infrastructure grant / user facility site funding
- Award Type: Standard Grant or Continuing Grant
- Estimated Number of Awards: 8 to 16
- Funding Amount: $500,000 to $2,000,000 per year per Site
- Project Duration: Up to 5 years, with possible renewal once for 5 more years
- Total Program Funding: $60,000,000 to $100,000,000
- Letter of Intent Deadline: March 16, 2026
- Full Proposal Deadline: May 14, 2026
- Eligible Applicants: U.S.-based institutions of higher education eligible under NSF rules
Available Fields and Priority Areas for NSF 26-505
The NQNI program is highly relevant for institutions active in:
- Quantum information science and engineering
- Nanoscience
- Nanoengineering
- Nanotechnology
- Semiconductor research
- AI hardware and information processing devices
- Advanced manufacturing
- Biotechnology
- Materials science
- Device fabrication and characterization
- 2D materials and quantum materials
- Neuromorphic and optical/photonic computing
- Energy conversion, storage, and sensing systems
- Biomedical and life science nanosystems
- Environmental monitoring sensors
- Human neuroimaging and neurophysiological techniques
Eligibility Criteria
The NSF NQNI Grants 2026 are not open to unaffiliated individuals. They are intended for eligible U.S. institutions under NSF rules. Key eligibility points include:
- Proposals must be submitted by organizations eligible under the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide.
- Unaffiliated individuals are not eligible to apply.
- The Principal Investigator must, by the submission deadline, hold either a tenured or tenure-track position, or a full-time paid research appointment at a U.S.-based campus of an eligible institution of higher education.
- There is a limit of one proposal per organization.
- There is also a limit of one proposal per PI or co-PI.
This means the opportunity mainly targets U.S. universities and research institutions, not international applicants and not individual graduate students applying on their own.
Application Process for NSF grants in the USA
Institutions planning to apply for the NSF NQNI Grants 2026 should follow this general process:
1) Review the official solicitation
Read the full NSF 26-505 solicitation carefully and confirm that your institution and PI meet the eligibility requirements.
Click Here to Visit National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NQNI) US Research Grant
2) Prepare and submit the required Letter of Intent
A one-page Letter of Intent is required and must be submitted through Research.gov. NSF notes that LOIs are mandatory, but they are not reviewed as pre-approval decisions.
3) Build the Site concept
Your proposal should define the Site’s:
- Vision and goals
- Technical capabilities
- External user access model
- Education and workforce plans
- Partnerships
- Leadership and management structure
- Outreach activities
- Performance metrics
4) Develop regional and institutional partnerships
NSF encourages formal partnerships with community or technical colleges and broader regional collaboration with universities, nonprofit organizations, industry associations, and government facilities.
5) Submit the full proposal
Full proposals are due by May 14, 2026, and may be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov, subject to NSF guidance.
Click Here to Apply for the US NSF Research Grants 2026 in the United States
What NSF Wants to See in Competitive Proposals
NSF will evaluate proposals using its standard Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts review criteria, along with solicitation-specific considerations. Reviewers will place emphasis on:
- Quality of outreach, education, and workforce development plans
- Strength of internal research programs and faculty
- Site management and external user services
- Breadth and impact of regional partnerships
- Integration of social, ethical, economic, and environmental considerations where relevant
In practical terms, strong proposals will likely show that the Site can do more than operate equipment. It should serve as a regional engine for access, training, partnership-building, and innovation.
Funding Benefits and Financial Coverage
The financial scale of this program is one of its biggest strengths. NSF states that:
- Each NQNI Site may receive $500,000 to $2,000,000 per year
- Funding can continue for up to 5 years
- The overall program expects $60 million to $100 million in awards
- Annual competition funding is expected to be around $12 million to $20 million per year during FY 2026-2030
- A separate Coordinating Office may later receive about $700,000 per year
NSF explains that these funds are mainly meant for:
- Operating shared user facilities
- Staffing and technical support
- Expanding external user access
- Education and training
- Workforce development
- Outreach and knowledge dissemination
Apply Now for the US NSF NQNI Grants 2026
The NSF National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NQNI) Grants 2026 in the USA represent a major funding opportunity for U.S. institutions ready to lead in quantum and nanotechnology infrastructure. With awards of up to $2 million per year, a possible 5-year duration, and a national focus on shared access, workforce development, and innovation, this program could shape the next generation of U.S. research infrastructure. For eligible universities and research institutions, this is the kind of grant that can strengthen technical capacity, expand partnerships, and position a Site as a regional leader in critical emerging technologies.
FAQs
Is the NSF NQNI program fully funded?
It is a major NSF-funded grant program for eligible institutions, with awards ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000 per year for up to 5 years.
Can individual international researchers apply?
No. This opportunity is for eligible U.S. organizations, and unaffiliated individuals are not eligible. The PI must hold a qualifying position at a U.S.-based eligible institution.
Is a Letter of Intent required?
Yes. A one-page Letter of Intent is required and was due on March 16, 2026.
What is the full proposal deadline?
The full proposal deadline is May 14, 2026, due by 5 p.m. the submitting organization’s local time.
Can the grant be used to buy or build infrastructure?
NSF says proposals requesting funds for construction, acquisition, maintenance, or repair of physical infrastructure will be returned without review.
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