NSF Launches NSF X-Labs to Drive Scientific Innovation

NSF Launches NSF X-Labs to Drive Scientific Innovation
NSF Federal Funding SF launches the X-Labs Initiative to fund cross-sector R&D infrastructure, scientific instrumentation, and quantum technologies. Learn how to apply for up to $50M in federal funding.
Advanced Technology & Defense Defense & Space Government Relations Grants Strategy May 27, 2026
Picture of Prepared by: Nate Dimelfi

Prepared by: Nate Dimelfi

Nate is a Senior Research Analyst in McAllister & Quinn’s Advanced Technology practice, providing analytical and organizational support to projects and clients. Nate also leads the Emerging and Critical Technologies Working Group, fostering collaboration and thought leadership on cutting-edge technology trends.

National Science Foundation X-Labs Initiative Funding Opportunities

On May 14, 2026, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the NSF X-Labs Initiative, a cross-sector federal funding opportunity between academia, industry, national laboratories, and nonprofits. The $1.5 billion program will fund innovation and develop the foundational R&D infrastructure required for large-scale breakthroughs in urgent fields and subject areas. Interested applicants are expected to meet the programs two main strategic objectives:

  • Build Sector-Defining Platforms that lay the foundation for near and long-term scientific and/or engineering discoveries.

  • Develop New Organizational Research Structures across sectors that are flexible and resourceful enough to achieve this initiative’s ambitious scientific objectives

National Science Foundation federal funding awards under this opportunity will be issued via an Other Transaction (OT) contract, and will be made in two phases:

  • Phase 0 awards will have a period of performance between 9 – 12 months, with an award size of up to $1.5 million.

  • After Phase 0 is complete, successful will be eligible for a Phase 1 selection, which has a period of performance of 24 – 36 months, with an award size of up to $50,000,000 per year.

NSF Funding Solicitation Key Deadlines and Topics

The solicitation will remain open until May 29, 2028, and will release new topic areas on a rolling basis over the two-year period. With the release of this solicitation, the NSF has announced two initial topic areas:

  1. Scientific Instrumentation For Sensing and Imaging | Offers Due: July 13, 2026
    1. Will focus on the development of platform technologies that can drive innovation in sensing, imaging and supporting technologies that can lead to new scientific instrumentation capabilities.
  2. Quantum Systems: Interconnects and Integrated Photonics | Offers Due: July 24, 2026
    1. Will focus on the development of platform technologies that support innovation in quantum interconnects, integrated quantum photonics and/or their supporting technologies.

Ready to submit a competitive proposal to the NSF X-Labs Initiative?

McAllister and Quinn has decades of experience securing proposal-driven federal funding for our clients— over $18 billion in total. To learn more about how we can help you win a contract through this opportunity, contact us today to start a complimentary consultation!

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