Feb. 18, 2026 — The U.S. National Science Foundation is investing up to $100 million to establish a nationwide network of open-access research facilities for quantum and nanoscale technologies, innovation, and workforce training.
Through the new NSF National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NSF NQNI) program, NSF will support up to 16 sites over five years, providing students, researchers, and industry with access to state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization tools, instrumentation, and expertise. Together, the sites will form a shared national resource serving regional innovation ecosystems, including community colleges and small businesses.
NSF NQNI will accelerate U.S. leadership in quantum information science and engineering, nanotechnology, semiconductors, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and other emerging technologies.
"This NSF investment in research facilities will power U.S. discovery in quantum and nanotechnologies to fuel our economy," said Don Millard, head of Engineering at NSF. "With facilities open to students, faculty and small businesses, NQNI will enable transformative ideas to be explored, scaled and translated."
NSF has invested in nanotechnology infrastructure for nearly 50 years, most recently through the NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (2015–2025). Letters of Intent are required and due March 16, 2026. For more information, contact [email protected]. Learn more about this funding opportunity.
About the U.S. National Science Foundation
The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2026 budget of $8.75 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.