NSF X-Labs Initiative - Quantum Systems: Interconnects and Integrated Photonics
PIs are encouraged to contact the Senior Director of Research Development, Kim Baeten, at kimbaeten@stanford.edu to discuss this unusual call before developing a proposal.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) X-Labs initiative is a specialized funding mechanism designed to accelerate the development of novel platform technologies and use-inspired scientific breakthroughs. This program targets high-impact R&D that typically falls outside the scope of traditional academic grants or industry laboratory structures.
The fundamental purpose of NSF X-Labs is to establish and support research teams focused on the following pillars:
- Platform Technology Development: Creating foundational technologies capable of unlocking entirely new scientific fields and economic sectors.
- Use-Inspired Breakthroughs: Addressing large-scale scientific challenges that require intensive, interdisciplinary coordination across academia, industry, national laboratories, and the nonprofit sector.
- Non-Traditional R&D Structures: Implementing a model characterized by operational autonomy and milestone-based funding, distinct from standard institutional frameworks.
The goal of the Quantum Systems: Interconnects and Integrated Photonics topic is to advance the development of foundational platform technologies necessary for functional, connected quantum systems. It focuses on bridging the gap between current quantum components and scalable, integrated architectures.
