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National Science Foundation (NSF)

2026 NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program

IMPORTNAT NOTE: 
We are proceeding with our normal internal competition schedule even though there is not currently a live solicitation for the NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program. We are monitoring the program and will provide updates as they are available. If there are major changes in a new solicitation, we will work with applicants to respond accordingly. 

External Deadline
AWAITING NEW SOLICITATION
Internal Deadline
July 8

NSF X-Labs: Scientific Instrumentation for Sensing and Imaging (Topic 2)

Institutionally Coordinated - contact RDS if you are interested in this funding opportunity // Limit: 2 (lead organization) // Tickets Available: 1 

M. Zreda (Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences)

Limiting Language 
An eligible organization can submit a maximum of two Written Proposals per Topic Announcement for Phase 0 as a lead organization. Senior/Key Personnel may be listed on a maximum of one Written Proposal per Topic Announcement.

External Deadline
7/13/2026

NSF X-Labs: Quantum Systems: Interconnected and Integrated Photonics (Topic 1)

Institutionally Coordinated - contact RDS if you are interested in this funding opportunity // Limit: 2 (lead organization) // Tickets Available: 1

N. Peyghambarian (Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing) 

Limiting Language 

External Deadline
7/24/2026

NSF 26-509: Integrated Data Systems & Services (IDSS) - Category II

Request Ticket // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limit: 1 (Category II only) // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language
Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: 1

External Deadline
7/28/2026 (Category II Submissions)

NSF 26-508: TechAccess: AI-Ready America

Institutionally Coordinated // Limit: 1 Coordination Hub Proposal

D. Ebert (Chief AI and Data Science Officer)

This funding opportunity is being institutionally coordinated by the Office of the Chief AI Officer. Please contact Dr. David Ebert, Cheif AI and Data Science Officer at ebertd@arizona.edu

Limiting Langauge
Coordination Hubs are limited to one proposal per institution.

Program Synopsis

External Deadline
6/16/2026 (Required LOI); 7/16/2026 (Full Proposal)

NSF 26-507: National Science Foundation Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks to Develop Emergent and Responsive Solutions Foundry (NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY)

Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 0

V. Subbian (Biomedical Engineering) 

External Deadline
5/27/2026 (Planning Proposals); 11/18/2026 (Development Proposals - if Planning Proposal is awarded)
Internal Deadline
April 8

NSF 26-503: Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Education Innovation and Scholarship for Service (CyberAI SFS)

Limit: 1 (Scholarship Track - Innovation Track is not limited) // Tickets Available: 0 

J. Pauli (College of Information Science)

Limiting Language
There is no restriction for the Innovation Track.

For the Scholarship Track, each performing organization is limited to one (1) proposal submitted for the same competition date. Institutions with an active CyberAI SFS scholarship project must wait until they are within 14 months of the current award's expected end date before submitting a new proposal.

External Deadline
4/3/2026
Internal Deadline
Feb. 18

NSF 26-505: National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NQNI)

Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 0

K. Muralidharan (Materials Science and Engineering) 

Limiting Language
Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: 1

Program Description 
NSF NQNI responds to national and community research priorities that will advance nanoscale and quantum science and engineering and grow U.S. leadership in critical and emerging technologies. These include quantum technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), manufacturing, biotechnology, and others.

External Deadline
3/16/2026 (Required LOI); 5/14/2026 (Full Proposal)
Internal Deadline
March 2

NSF 25-548: Accelerating Research Translation (ART)

Institutionally Coordinated // Limit: 3 // Tickets Available: 1

Track 3: Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Track 4: Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 0
D. Hockstad (Tech Launch Arizona)

External Deadline
January 15, 2026 (Track 5); March 12, 2026 (Tracks 3 and 4)