NSF X-Labs Initiative - Scientific Instrumentation For Sensing and Imaging

Quick Summary

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) is soliciting Written Proposals for its NSF X-Labs Initiative focusing on Scientific Instrumentation for Sensing and Imaging. This initiative seeks ambitious, full-time R&D teams to develop novel platform technologies that can unlock new scientific fields and technology sectors. NSF anticipates awarding one or more Other Transaction (OT) contracts. Written Proposals are due July 13, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern.

Opportunity Overview

The NSF X-Labs Initiative aims to build and accelerate foundational platform technologies that traditional university and industry labs may not be positioned to address alone. This specific topic targets scientific instrumentation for sensing and imaging, including areas like quantum sensing, AI-driven computational imaging, adaptive AI-based sensing algorithms, and entirely new modalities. Teams should have a clear vision for how their "Mission" will create or reshape an entire field of scientific research or technology sector.

Key Requirements & Scope

• Mission Focus: Proposing teams must define a "Mission" centered on a novel platform technology and key use-inspired research solutions, aligning with the "Scientific Instrumentation for Sensing and Imaging" topic.
• Technology Areas: Examples include detection of molecular-scale events, MRI-free deep-tissue imaging, non-destructive biomolecule microscopy, high-sensitivity quantum sensors, AI training pipeline instruments, and whole-brain activity sensors.
• Exclusions: Purely computational/software solutions, narrow impact technologies, fundamental research without application potential, incremental advancements, or technologies near full-scale commercialization are generally out of scope.
• Team Autonomy: Teams must demonstrate substantial independence in decision-making, staffing, funding, partnerships, and day-to-day operations.
• Deliverables (Phase 0): Include a Kickoff Meeting, Data Management and Privacy Plan, IP Management Plan, Research Security Management Plan, Governance Structure Plan, and a proposed Phase 1 Milestone Plan and Budget.

Contract Details

• Instrument: Other Transaction (OT) contracts, not FAR-based procurement.
• Phased Approach: Awards are milestone-based, structured in phases: Phase 0 (9-12 months), Phase 1 (24-36 months), with potential for Phase 2.
• Funding: Phase 0 awards up to $1,500,000; Phase 1 awards up to $50,000,000 per year.
• Set-Aside: None specified. Eligibility is open to any domestic responsible entity.

Submission & Evaluation

• Process: A two-step competitive evaluation:
  1. Step 1: Written Proposals (due July 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern).
  2. Step 2: Oral Proposal Package and Presentation for invited teams (August 17-21, 2026).
• Written Proposal Content: Must address Mission, Technology Landscape, Outcomes, Senior/Key Personnel Qualifications, and Team Capabilities Statement.
• Format: 8-page limit (excluding COI statement), single-spaced, 12-point font, submitted as PDF via the NSF submission website: https://nsfgov.my.site.com/xlabs.
• Evaluation Criteria: "Team Qualifications and Structure" and "Mission Clarity and Outcomes" are weighed equally.
• Eligibility: An eligible organization can submit a maximum of two Written Proposals as a lead. Senior/Key Personnel may be listed on one proposal per Topic Announcement.

Important Dates & Contacts

• Written Proposal Deadline: July 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
• Questions Due: July 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern to XLabs@nsf.gov (Subject: NSF-Topic2-FY26-XLabsSensingandImaging).
• Webinars: May 28, 2026 (Introduction) and June 23, 2026 (Q&A).
• Contact: X-Labs (XLabs@nsf.gov).
• Place of Performance: Alexandria, VA, United States.