The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), has released the first Topic Announcement under the X-Labs Initiative focused on Quantum Systems: Interconnects and Integrated Photonics. Issued through the X-Labs Other Transaction Agreement Solutions Offering (OTASO), this opportunity seeks ambitious, full-time research and development teams capable of advancing foundational technologies that could accelerate the next generation of quantum computing, networking, sensing, and information processing systems.
Rather than funding individual research projects, NSF is seeking organizations capable of advancing transformative platform technologies that could reshape the future of quantum computing, networking, sensing, and information processing.
Overview of the Solicitation
X-Labs is designed to support independent, outcomes-driven organizations pursuing transformative platform technologies that traditional university and industry research structures may struggle to develop. Through milestone-based funding and operational flexibility, NSF aims to accelerate breakthroughs that can create or reshape entire scientific fields and technology sectors.
This Topic Announcement focuses specifically on quantum interconnects and integrated quantum photonics, which are widely viewed as key enablers of next-generation quantum computing and networking capabilities. Future quantum computing architectures are expected to rely on the ability to transfer quantum information between distinct subsystems while preserving coherence and entanglement. Photonic technologies offer a promising pathway for achieving these capabilities and supporting future quantum networks and distributed quantum computing platforms.
Specifics About the Solicitation
NSF is seeking teams that can develop transformative platform technologies supporting next-generation quantum systems. Areas of interest include:
- Quantum interconnects that enable the transfer of quantum information between discrete processing systems
- Integrated quantum photonics technologies that enable scalable quantum computing, sensing, metrology, and networking through the dense integration of optical components onto compact chips and packages
- Modular quantum architectures and the interconnection of heterogeneous quantum subsystems via quantum transducers
- Reconfigurable quantum photonic circuits for multi-qubit operations
- Advanced quantum light sources, low-loss waveguides, and integrated single-photon detectors
Proposed missions must demonstrate the potential to overcome significant technical barriers and create broadly deployable platform technologies with industry-wide impact.
NSF specifically notes that software-only solutions without practical integration into a quantum system, technologies that are inherently unsuitable for future scaling and commercialization, narrowly deployable solutions, fundamental research without a clear platform technology application, incremental advances, and technologies already approaching full-scale commercialization are generally outside the scope of this topic announcement.
NSF anticipates making one or more Other Transaction (OT) awards. Eligible organizations may submit a maximum of two written proposals as the lead organization under this Topic Announcement, while Senior/Key Personnel may only participate in one proposal.
Key Dates
- Quantum Systems Q&A Webinar: June 30, 2026
- Questions Due: July 17, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET
- Written Proposal Deadline: July 24, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET
- Oral Presentations: August 31 – September 4, 2026
- Anticipated Phase 0 Start: December 2026
- Anticipated Phase 1 Start: September 2027
Additional Information
The X-Labs process uses a two-step competitive evaluation consisting of a written proposal followed by oral presentations for selected teams. Awardees are expected to begin with a nine-month Phase 0 period, followed by a Go/No-Go review and potential advancement into a 24-to-36-month Phase 1 effort. High-performing teams may later be considered for Phase 2 continuation.
For universities, national laboratories, startups, and research organizations working in quantum technologies, this announcement represents an opportunity to help develop the foundational systems needed to support future quantum computing and networking infrastructure while contributing to U.S. leadership in an emerging technology sector.
If your company is considering applying for federal funding, your journey starts here. EverGlade is a national advisory firm helping innovators navigate the federal funding ecosystem. We support companies across the funding lifecycle, from early-stage strategy through proposal development, negotiations, and post-award execution, connecting breakthrough innovation with non-dilutive funding.
For additional information, schedule a free consultation with our team.
