NSF X-Labs Initiative - Quantum Systems: Interconnects and Integrated Photonics

The National Science Foundation (NSF), Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), announces its intent to solicit Written Proposals for NSF X-Labs teams in the technical domain of quantum interconnects and integrated quantum photonics. This NSF X-Labs Topic Announcement is issued under the Other Transaction Agreement Solutions Offering (OTASO), NSF-OTASO-FY26-XLabsInitative. NSF X-Labs is a flexible, outcomes-driven initiative designed to build and accelerate novel platform technologies capable of unlocking new sectors, advancing use-inspired scientific breakthroughs, and supporting U.S. leadership in science and technology. Through this effort, NSF seeks ambitious, full-time R&D teams with the operational autonomy, technical expertise, and organizational flexibility necessary to pursue foundational platform technologies that traditional university and industry labs may not be positioned to address alone. This Topic Announcement focuses on quantum systems, specifically quantum interconnects and integrated quantum photonics. Future quantum computing and quantum information processing systems are expected to rely on the ability to transfer quantum information, including coherence and entanglement, between discrete physical subsystems. Quantum photonic technologies that use photons as robust carriers of quantum information offer a promising pathway toward scalable quantum computing, sensing, metrology, and networking. Integrated quantum photonics may further enable dense integration of optical components, such as entangled sources, interferometers, filters, switches, and detectors, onto compact chips and packages. NSF X-Labs teams selected under this Topic will focus on the research and development of technologies that enable next-generation quantum interconnects, integrated quantum photonics, and supporting technologies. NSF anticipates issuing one or more Other Transaction (OT) contract awards. Proposers should review the OTASO, NSF-OTASO-FY26-XLabsInitative, and this Topic Announcement carefully before submitting a Written Proposal. NSF will evaluate submissions in accordance with the procedures and criteria set forth in the OTASO and this Topic Announcement. This posting shall not be construed as an obligation on the part of the Government. The Government is not obligated to make any award as a result of this notice. The Government will not pay for any information submitted or for any costs incurred in responding to this notice. Any information received becomes the property of the Government and will not be returned to the submitter. Responses may also be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or as otherwise required by law.