[U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov)

July 24, 2026 (Full Proposal)

$15,000,000 total program funding; award size not specified.

Supports individual investigators pursuing innovative, high-impact engineering research in emerging or national priority areas.

Only single-PI proposals are allowed; overlapping projects are not eligible.

--- ## Description This program supports individual investigators who propose novel research projects with the potential to creatively address new areas of fundamental or applied engineering research. The aim is to catalyze the development of new industries, enhance U.S. leadership in engineering, or make significant progress toward national needs or grand challenges. Priority areas include, but are not limited to, artificial intelligence (AI), bioengineering, quantum engineering, robotics, and nuclear engineering. Projects must represent a new research direction for the investigator, distinct from their current or previous work. Awardees will join an NSF TRAILBLAZER cohort and are expected to participate in annual meetings and potentially other program activities. --- ## Due Dates - July 24, 2026 (Full Proposal) --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $15,000,000. - Award ceiling and floor are not specified; typical award size/duration not stated in the solicitation. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Organizations:** - U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations (e.g., independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies) directly associated with educational or research activities. - Accredited U.S. institutions of higher education (including community colleges), acting on behalf of their faculty members. - For international branch campuses of U.S. institutions, proposals must justify the need for project activities at the international location. - **Eligible Principal Investigators (PIs):** - Must hold a tenured or tenure-eligible faculty appointment at the Associate or Full Professor rank (or equivalent) at an eligible organization. - Must have an appointment in an Engineering School/College and/or hold an Engineering Doctorate degree. - For non-profit, non-academic organizations: PI must have a continuing appointment expected to last the 3-year award duration and substantial research responsibilities. - **Restrictions:** - Prior or concurrent funding for projects that overlap with the proposed TRAILBLAZER project precludes eligibility. - Only single-PI proposals are permitted; collaborative proposals, subawards, or multiple-organization submissions will be returned without review. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361009). - Carefully review the [NSF Publication 26-502](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf26502) for detailed instructions and program requirements. - The NSF Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities (EFMA) Office will host an informational webinar in early 2026; details will be posted on the Directorate for Engineering and EFMA websites. --- ## Additional Information - Participation in an annual NSF TRAILBLAZER cohort meeting is required for awardees. - No cost-sharing or matching is required for this program. - Proposals with subawards or multiple organizations will not be reviewed. --- ## External Links - [NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impact Award (Grants.gov Listing)](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361009) - [NSF Publication 26-502 (Program Information)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf26502) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [NSF Contact Page](https://new.nsf.gov/about/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Description | |---------------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | NSF Grants.gov Support | grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov | For issues accessing the funding announcement or application. | | NSF General Inquiries | info@nsf.gov | NSF general information. | | NSF Phone | 1-703-292-5111 | NSF main phone number. |

NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impact Award

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