NSF Launches $100M National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure (NQNI) Program
Unlocking the Power of Quantum and Nanotechnology: NSF's $100M Investment in NQNI
The US National Science Foundation (NSF) has made a groundbreaking announcement, committing $100 million to establish the National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure (NQNI) program. This declare marks a significant step forward in the country's efforts to secure its position as a leader in critical technologies, including semiconductors, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. The NQNI program is poised to revolutionize the way researchers, community colleges, and small businesses access cutting-edge instrumentation and expertise, bridging the "valley of death" for emerging hardware startups.
A Nationwide Network of Open-Access Research Sites
The NQNI program will create a nationwide network of up to 16 open-access research sites over the next five years. These sites will provide hands-on access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, including advanced lithography, cryogenic characterization, and cleanroom facilities. This shared national resource will be available to academic researchers, community colleges, and small businesses, enabling them to conduct research and development that would otherwise be financially inaccessible.
Expanding the Mandate: From Nanotechnology to Quantum Information Science and Engineering
The NQNI program builds upon the success of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI), which operated from 2015 to 2025. While the NNCI focused on nanotechnology, the NQNI program expands the mandate to include a dedicated focus on the specialized fabrication and characterization needs of Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE). This shift reflects the growing importance of quantum computing and its potential to revolutionize fields such as medicine, finance, and climate modeling.
Supporting Regional Innovation Ecosystems
The NQNI program is structured to support regional innovation ecosystems by providing access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and expertise. This will enable smaller institutions to participate in cutting-edge research and development, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in their respective regions. By bridging the "valley of death," the NQNI program aims to accelerate the transition of quantum and nanoscale discoveries into commercial applications.
Standardizing Technical Expertise and Workforce Training
The NQNI program will establish a central Coordinating Office to oversee the collective impact of the network. This office will ensure that technical expertise and workforce training protocols are standardized, enabling researchers to work together seamlessly across different sites and institutions. This will facilitate the sharing of knowledge, best practices, and resources, ultimately driving innovation and progress in the field.
A Critical Investment in the National Quantum Initiative
The NQNI program aligns with the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act, which aims to secure US leadership in critical technologies. By investing in the NQNI program, the NSF is supporting the development of a robust quantum ecosystem, from basic research to commercialization. This investment will help to drive innovation, create jobs, and ensure that the US remains a leader in the global quantum landscape.
A Call to Action: Letters of Intent and Full Proposals
Institutions seeking to host an NQNI site are required to submit a Letter of Intent by March 16, 2026, with full proposals due by May 14, 2026. This presents a unique opportunity for researchers, community colleges, and small businesses to participate in the NQNI program and access cutting-edge instrumentation and expertise.
Conclusion
The NSF's $100M investment in the NQNI program marks a significant step forward in the country's efforts to secure its position as a leader in critical technologies. By creating a nationwide network of open-access research sites, the NQNI program will enable researchers, community colleges, and small businesses to access cutting-edge instrumentation and expertise, bridging the "valley of death" for emerging hardware startups. As the NQNI program takes shape, it will be exciting to see the impact it has on the field of quantum and nanotechnology, and the innovations that emerge from this critical investment.
