Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) and managed by a cross-disciplinary team of program directors, is soliciting proposals for the Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes (QLCI) program under solicitation NSF 24-599. The purpose of this program is to fund large-scale, interdisciplinary research institutes focused on quantum information science and technology (QIST). The initiative supports both the establishment of new institutes and the renewal of existing ones. QLCI institutes aim to catalyze breakthroughs in fields such as quantum computation, quantum communication, quantum simulation, and quantum sensing. The program aligns with the National Quantum Initiative Act and recommendations from its advisory committee, emphasizing transformative quantum research and the development of a qualified, cross-disciplinary workforce. QLCI institutes are expected to operate as multidisciplinary centers conducting convergent research to address critical scientific challenges. They must engage multiple institutions and disciplines and promote collaboration with government agencies, national labs, industry, and international partners. Each institute must be led by a principal investigator with a clear strategic plan that outlines research objectives, workforce development, partnerships, and coordination mechanisms. Institutes should demonstrate the capacity to adapt their operations over time and present compelling milestones, deliverables, and impact assessments. Eligibility is restricted to accredited U.S. institutions of higher education, including community colleges, acting on behalf of their faculty. International branches of U.S. institutions may participate if their involvement is well justified. Each institution may submit up to two preliminary and two invited full proposals. Principal Investigators (PIs) and co-PIs may appear on only one full proposal, though participation in multiple letters of intent or preliminary proposals is permitted. The application process consists of three stages: a required Letter of Intent (due February 7, 2025), a required Preliminary Proposal (due March 7, 2025), and an invited Full Proposal (due September 17, 2025). All deadlines are by 5 p.m. local time of the submitting organization. Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov, following the current NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Full proposals will be reviewed through a comprehensive merit review process and include a required site visit and presentation at NSF headquarters. Awarded institutes will receive cooperative agreements with durations of up to six years. Individual awards may range from $2,000,000 to $7,500,000 per year, depending on the scope of proposed activities, with a total program funding estimate between $200 million and $300 million. No voluntary cost sharing is allowed. Institutes must provide a detailed budget for all six years and submit standard NSF reporting, including annual progress and final reports. Award conditions include site visits and evaluations based on predefined milestones and deliverables. Applicants can contact the QLCI Program Management Team at QLCI@nsf.gov or (703) 292-5302. Additional contacts include Peter S. Atherton (patherto@nsf.gov, 703-292-8772), Elizabeth Behrman (ebehrman@nsf.gov, 703-292-7049), and several others as listed in the solicitation. The program is highly competitive and strategically important for advancing U.S. leadership in quantum technologies.