Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: November 4, 2025
Funding Amounts: Up to $900,000 per project for up to 3 years; estimated total program funding is $25,000,000; 20–25 awards expected.
Summary: Supports early-stage, exploratory research on emerging technologies (e.g., AI, robotics, immersive tech) to address real-world teaching and learning needs, especially in STEM and related foundational skills.
Key Information: Projects must advance both learning/teaching research and technology research; proposals limited to one per PI/co-PI per deadline.
This funding opportunity supports early-stage, future-oriented research on innovative technologies for teaching and learning. The program aims to address pressing needs in authentic educational environments, including formal, informal, and workplace settings. Research should focus on the convergence of disciplines such as learning sciences, education, computer and information sciences, engineering, design, and behavioral and social sciences. The scope includes STEM education as well as foundational skills that support STEM, such as literacy, communication, collaboration, creativity, and socio-emotional skills.
Projects must advance research in both learning (and/or teaching) and technology. The program encourages interdisciplinary teams and seeks to support the development and study of new educational technologies that are cost-effective and accessible, particularly for budget-limited educational institutions and diverse learner populations.
Eligible organizations:
PI/Co-PI restrictions: An individual may participate as PI, co-PI, or other Senior Personnel in only one proposal per submission deadline.
International branch campuses: Proposals involving international branches of U.S. institutions must justify why project activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus.
Submission platforms: Proposals may be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov.
Required documents: Follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and program solicitation instructions. Supplementary documents include:
Cost sharing: Not required or permitted.
Budget requirement: Include funds for the PI to attend an annual two-day PI meeting in Washington, DC.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Inquiries | Email: ritel-program-inquiries@nsf.gov |
| Phone | 703-292-8620 |
| NSF Grants.gov Support | Email: grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov |
| Research.gov Help Desk | 1-800-381-1532 / rgov@nsf.gov |
| NSF Information Center | (703) 292-5111 |