NSF X-Labs Initiative
NSF X-Labs Initiative supports interdisciplinary research teams developing breakthrough science and transformative platform technologies to unlock new sectors and strengthen U.S. science and technology leadership.
This grant was recently updated
NSF released the “From Sequence to Function” topic announcement in October 2026 and renamed “Artificial Intelligence for Physical Systems” to “Super Intelligence for Physical Systems.” A From Sequence to Function Q&A is scheduled for November 18, 2026, 2–3 p.m. EST; other webinar resources also changed.
Funder: NSF X-Labs
Due Dates: May 14, 2028 (Offers due, 3:00 p.m. EDT)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1.5 billion backing the initiative; phased funding from concept development to multi-year awards
Summary: Supports full-time, interdisciplinary research teams developing transformative platform technologies beyond the reach of traditional university or industry labs.
Key Information: This is an Other Transaction contract opportunity, not a financial assistance opportunity or FAR-based procurement.
Description
The NSF X-Labs Initiative, led by the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), supports independent research organizations pursuing breakthrough science and transformative platform technologies. It seeks domestic entities able to establish full-time, interdisciplinary research and development teams with the autonomy and flexibility to address ambitious scientific and technical challenges that traditional university and industry labs cannot easily tackle.
The initiative emphasizes outcomes-driven, high-risk, high-reward work that can unlock new sectors, advance use-inspired scientific breakthroughs, and strengthen U.S. leadership in science and technology. The first round focuses on Scientific Instrumentation for Sensing and Imaging and Quantum Systems, including interconnects and integrated photonics. Teams progress through phased support, from concept development toward large-scale implementation, with milestone-based funding and significant operational autonomy.
