NSF Launches $100 Million National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Initiative

On February 13, 2026, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a significant investment of up to $100 million to establish the National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NSF NQNI) program. This initiative aims to create a nationwide network of up to 16 open-access research facilities dedicated to advancing quantum and nanoscale technologies, innovation, and workforce training over the next five years.

NSF launches $100M National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure programNSF Will Establish National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure; Letters of Intent Are Due March 16, 2026NSF Launches $100M National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure (NQNI) ProgramNSF to Invest $100M in Up to 16 Open-Access Quantum Research Sites

The NSF NQNI program is designed to provide students, researchers, and industry professionals with access to state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization tools, instrumentation, and expertise. Each selected site will receive funding ranging from $500,000 to $2 million annually, facilitating hands-on access to advanced technologies that are often financially out of reach for smaller institutions, including community colleges and small businesses. The initiative is a direct successor to the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) program, which operated from 2015 to 2025, and it expands the focus to include specialized needs in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE).

NSF Launches $100M National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure (NQNI) ProgramNSF launches $100M National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure programNSF Will Establish National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure; Letters of Intent Are Due March 16, 2026NSF to Invest $100M in Up to 16 Open-Access Quantum Research Sites

The NSF NQNI program aims to accelerate U.S. leadership in critical areas such as quantum information science, nanotechnology, semiconductors, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. By forming a shared national resource, the initiative seeks to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and enhance workforce development. The NSF plans to select sites based on their technical capabilities and potential to meet user needs across various focus areas, including education, training, and outreach.

NSF to Invest $100M in Up to 16 Open-Access Quantum Research SitesNSF Will Establish National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure; Letters of Intent Are Due March 16, 2026NSF launches $100M National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure programNSF Launches $100M National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure (NQNI) Program

Don Millard, head of Engineering at NSF, stated, "This NSF investment in research facilities will power U.S. discovery in quantum and nanotechnologies to fuel our economy." The NSF emphasizes that the NQNI will enable transformative ideas to be explored, scaled, and translated into practical applications.

NSF launches $100M National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure programNSF Will Establish National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure; Letters of Intent Are Due March 16, 2026NSF to Invest $100M in Up to 16 Open-Access Quantum Research SitesNSF Launches $100M National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure (NQNI) Program

Institutions interested in hosting an NQNI site must submit Letters of Intent by March 16, 2026, with full proposals due by May 14, 2026. The selection process will also include a secondary phase to establish a central NQNI Coordinating Office, which will oversee the collective impact of the network and ensure standardized technical expertise and workforce training protocols.

NSF Launches $100M National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure (NQNI) Program

While the NSF's initiative has been generally well-received, some critics argue that the focus on quantum technologies may overshadow other pressing technological needs. U.S. Chief Technology Officer Ethan Klein noted that the Trump administration intends to push quantum technologies toward early commercialization, which some stakeholders view as a potential misallocation of resources in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

NSF to Invest $100M in Up to 16 Open-Access Quantum Research Sites

As the NSF NQNI program unfolds, it is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and commercial applications in quantum and nanoscale technologies, aligning with broader federal priorities outlined in the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act. The initiative represents a strategic effort to secure U.S. leadership in emerging technologies and foster innovation across various sectors.

NSF Launches $100M National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure (NQNI) ProgramNSF to Invest $100M in Up to 16 Open-Access Quantum Research SitesNSF launches $100M National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure programNSF Will Establish National Quantum and Nanotechnology Research Infrastructure; Letters of Intent Are Due March 16, 2026