Verticals-enabling Intelligent Network Systems

The National Science Foundation (NSF), in partnership with several U.S. federal agencies, international agencies, and private sector companies, is soliciting proposals for its Verticals-enabling Intelligent Network Systems (VINES) program under Solicitation NSF 25-539. This initiative is spearheaded by NSF’s Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering, alongside other directorates and agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate (DHS-S&T), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E). Industry partners Ericsson, Intel, and Qualcomm contribute funding to Track 1 projects. International collaboration is facilitated through agencies from Finland, India, Japan, and Sweden. The VINES program is structured into two distinct tracks: Track 1 for use-inspired fundamental research and Track 2 for technology development, demonstration, and translation. The overarching goal of the VINES program is to stimulate cutting-edge research and innovation that improves the performance and capabilities of future advanced intelligent network systems, particularly NextG (next generation) systems. Track 1 supports foundational research aligned with specific research vectors in advanced network capabilities and enabling technologies. These include challenges and innovations in energy efficiency, accessibility, convergence, resilience, manageability, and AI-native designs, among others. Track 2 focuses on practical development and deployment of advanced technologies in real-world vertical applications such as telemedicine, smart manufacturing, immersive applications, and more. Projects must demonstrate applicability and readiness of the proposed technology in a real-world testbed and provide clear pathways for potential adoption and market impact. Funding amounts vary significantly between the two tracks. Track 1 awards will be up to $1.5 million per project for a duration of up to three years, with approximately 20 to 30 awards expected. For international collaborations under Track 1, the U.S. team may request up to $750,000, with the international partner agency expected to fund the non-U.S. portion. Track 2 awards can reach up to $6 million per project over three years, with about 8 to 10 awards anticipated. Track 2 U.S. budgets may range from $2 to $4 million, depending on the scope, and international partner agencies are again expected to fund their respective teams. All funding is contingent on availability and merit review. Eligibility criteria vary by track. For Track 1, eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education and nonprofit, non-academic organizations. Industry participation is strictly prohibited in Track 1, including funded and unfunded collaborations. Track 2 expands eligibility to include for-profit organizations, state and local governments, and tribal nations. Individuals affiliated with industry partners may participate only under very specific conditions and only in Track 1 if their primary appointment is with an eligible non-partner institution. Each individual is limited to participating in a specific number of proposals depending on the track and type of proposal. Submission requirements for Track 1 include a full proposal via Research.gov or Grants.gov, adhering to NSF’s PAPPG guidelines. For Track 2, a Concept Outline must be submitted by August 25, 2025, to vines-track2@nsf.gov. This pre-proposal step is necessary to determine appropriateness before submitting a full proposal, which is due by September 25, 2025. Track 1 full proposals are due by August 25, 2025. Applicants must follow specific proposal formatting requirements, including designating the appropriate track and international partner (if applicable) in the proposal title and providing detailed supplementary documentation. Additional requirements include management plans, demonstration and evaluation plans (Track 2), and appropriate budget justifications. For inquiries, applicants may contact any of the designated program officers, such as Alhussein A. Abouzeid (aabouzei@nsf.gov), Sudharman Jayaweera Kankanamge (sjayawee@nsf.gov), or others listed in the solicitation. Each track has separate expectations and administrative guidelines, particularly concerning post-award conditions, intellectual property, and reporting. Track 1 awardees must grant licensing rights to both the U.S. government and industry funders for IP developed under the program. Track 2 awardees must establish an IP management plan and may defer publication to allow for patent applications, while remaining subject to NSF’s prompt dissemination policies. Recipients may also request access to cloud computing resources through CloudBank for relevant computing needs.

Engage collaborators early. Align proposal with RVs. Follow NSF formatting rules. Use national testbeds.