Funder: National Science Foundation
Due Dates: Proposals accepted anytime
Funding Amounts: No specified ceiling; typical NSF awards range from 1–3 years and are based on project scope and budget justification
Summary: Supports innovative research on novel electronics, photonics, and magnetic devices, advancing micro-, nano-, and quantum-based technologies for broad applications.
Key Information: No cost sharing required; proposals must follow the current NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).
Description
The Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices (EPMD) Program funds fundamental and transformative research on novel devices that leverage the principles of electronics, optics, photonics, optoelectronics, magnetics, opto- and electromechanics, electromagnetics, and related physical phenomena. The program aims to push the boundaries of micro-, nano-, and quantum-based devices operating across the electromagnetic spectrum, with applications spanning information and communications, imaging and sensing, healthcare, Internet of Things (IoT), energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
EPMD encourages proposals that explore emerging technologies for miniaturization, integration, and energy efficiency, as well as new material-based devices with enhanced functionalities, efficiency, flexibility, tunability, wearability, and reliability.
Areas of Interest
- Electronic Devices: Nanoelectronics, wide/extreme- and narrow-bandgap semiconductors, devices with new functionalities, device-related electromagnetic effects, microwave/mm-wave/THz devices, flexible/printed/carbon-based electronics, thermoelectric and ferroelectric devices.
- Photonic Devices: Advanced optical emitters and photodetectors (extreme UV to THz), single-photon quantum devices, nonlinear and ultrafast photonics, nanophotonics, photonic integration, optical imaging and sensing, opto-mechanical nanodevices, optical communication components.
- Magnetic Devices: Biomagnetic devices, nanomagnetic and quantum devices, spin electronics for next-generation logic and memories.
- Cross-Cutting: 2D material devices and circuits, paper electronics, bioelectronic devices, photovoltaic and energy harvesting devices, metamaterial and plasmonic-based devices, sensor device technologies.
For specific topic alignment, applicants are encouraged to contact the relevant Program Directors listed in the EPMD staff directory.
Due Dates
- Proposals are accepted at any time; there are no fixed deadlines.
Funding Amount
- No explicit maximum or minimum award amount.
- Typical NSF awards in this area are for 1–3 years, with budgets determined by project needs and justification.
- No cost sharing or matching is required.
Eligibility
- Open to U.S.-based institutions, including:
- Colleges and universities
- Nonprofit, non-academic organizations
- For-profit organizations
- State and local governments
- Unaffiliated individuals (in rare cases)
- International collaborations are allowed, but primary funding must support U.S. participants.
- See the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) for detailed eligibility.
Application Process
- Proposals must be prepared and submitted via NSF FastLane, Research.gov, or Grants.gov.
- All proposals must comply with the current NSF PAPPG.
- Contact a Program Director for guidance on fit and scope before submission.
- Proposals are reviewed on intellectual merit and broader impacts.
Additional Information
- Awards made on or after October 1, 2024, are subject to updated NSF award conditions in line with revised federal guidance (details).
- No cost sharing is required.
- Proposals may be submitted at any time; early consultation with a Program Director is recommended for best alignment.
External Links
Contact Information
For general NSF inquiries:
- Email: info@nsf.gov
- Phone: 1-703-292-5111
- NSF Contact Page