Boston University Seeks Proposals for NSF’s $2M National Quantum & Nanotechnology Infrastructure
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Boston University is actively seeking proposals for a potential National Quantum & Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NQNI) Site, funded by a competition from the National Science Foundation. The university aims to establish a user facility offering fabrication, characterization, and expertise in quantum information science, nanoscience, and nanotechnology to a broad range of external users – from startups to government organizations. NSF’s selection will prioritize facilities opening access for hands-on experiences, with awards ranging from $500,000 to $2 million per year for up to five years. As of today, February 20, 2026, BU may submit only one proposal, with pitches due via InfoReady Review by February 25, 2026, marking a tight window for applicants.
The National Science Foundation’s new National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NQNI) program is launching a competitive network of university-based user facilities, prioritizing access to cutting-edge tools for a broad range of researchers. The program’s core objective is to bolster quantum information science and engineering, nanoscience, and nanotechnology through facilities equipped for fabrication, characterization, and specialized expertise. NSF’s selection process will heavily weigh proposals demonstrating plans to “open facilities and instrumentation for external use,” extending beyond affiliated researchers to include individuals and organizations from industry, startups, and government entities. Funding will primarily support personnel dedicated to training these “external users” in accessing and utilizing the facility’s resources, with an emphasis on hands-on, in-person experiences despite potential incorporation of remote access. Notably, NQNI funds are explicitly barred from use on construction or physical infrastructure projects. Eligibility requires that Principal Investigators “hold either a tenure or tenure-track position, or a full-time, paid appointment to a research position at a US-based IHE campus,” and limits participation to one proposal per PI and co-PI. Internal pitches are due February 25, 2026, with anticipated notification on February 26, 2026. These facilities will be evaluated on their “technical capabilities and instrumentation…to address current and anticipated user needs” spanning quantum information science, nanoscience, and nanotechnology. The NSF is specifically looking for sites that can facilitate hands-on experience, prioritizing in-person access over remote options, and bolster “education, training, outreach, and workforce development.” External users, defined as those from other academic institutions, businesses, and government entities, will be central to the program’s success. However, prospective applicants must note that NQNI funds “may not be used for construction or physical infrastructure,” focusing instead on personnel to support user engagement. Internal selection processes, like the one underway at Boston University, are crucial, with institutions limited to submitting only one proposal; “As necessary, the Office of Research will review expressions of interest and select an institutional nominee.” Source: https://www.bu.edu/research/2026/02/19/nsf-national-quantum-and-nanotechnology-infrastructure-nqni-2026/ Tags: Quantum News There is so much happening right now in the field of technology, whether AI or the march of robots. Adrian is an expert on how technology can be transformative, especially frontier technologies. But Quantum occupies a special space. Quite literally a special space. A Hilbert space infact, haha! Here I try to provide some of the news that is considered breaking news in the Quantum Computing and Quantum tech space. Latest Posts by Quantum News: University of Ottawa Team Pioneers New Approach to Secure Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution February 25, 2026 Harvard SEAS Develops Microscopic Mirrors for Next-Gen Quantum Networks February 25, 2026 NQCC Quantum Fringe 2026 Festival Of Quantum February 25, 2026