FRONTIERS IN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (EFRI-2026/27): Wave-Based Computing ( EFRI-WBC)
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 6, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for foundational research in wave-based computing approaches. Institutions of higher education (two- and four-year colleges, including community colleges) and nonprofits like independent museums and research labs can apply if located in the U.S.
The lead PI must be full-time, tenured or tenure-track faculty at a college/university. For nonprofits, the PI needs a continuing appointment with substantial research responsibilities directly tied to the project.
Two funding tracks exist: exploratory EAGER awards (two years) and larger four-year awards up to $2,000,000. No cost-sharing required. Industry collaboration is encouraged.
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Program description
The Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) program serves a critical role in helping the NSF Directorate for Engineering focus on important emerging areas in a timely way. The EFRI program invests in potentially transformative ideas that offer the opportunity for significant shifts in foundational engineering knowledge. EFRI-funded research must have strong potential for long-term impact on strategic technology priorities and/or national science and technology (S&T) missions identified in the Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2028 Research and Development (R&D) Budget Priorities Memorandum. Such impacts need not be fully realized within the duration of the research period; however, proposers are expected to articulate how a proposal is use-inspired and may lay the foundations for stated priorities. This EFRI solicitation leverages a portfolio of both two-year EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) awards and larger four-year awards in response to Science: A New Golden Age, which calls for a more flexible set of funding mechanisms that match the scientific challenges they seek to address.
The EFRI Wave-Based Computing (WBC) solicitation will support foundational and transformative research to advance the development of computing approaches that harness the principles of wave dynamics.
The EFRI WBC solicitation will support two tracks.
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Track 1: Exploratory approaches may be funded through EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) awards.
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Track 2: Larger, multidisciplinary projects may be funded through four-year awards of up to $2,000,000.
The EFRI WBC program encourages collaboration with industry. Proposers may consider using a formal mechanism, such as NSF Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG standard forms (SF-424, NSF Cover Sheet)
- Project Narrative (proposal abstract and detailed description)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches of PI and key personnel
- Current and Pending Support documentation
- Letters of Commitment (for industry partners, if included)
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.049 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$570,618,065
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$482,311,346
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$415,151,013
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$236,459,999
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$190,969,692
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$176,820,578
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$156,947,247
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$145,000,000
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$144,261,921
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$116,471,167
Top States by Funding
- VA 5 awards $965.8M
- DC 3 awards $632.1M
- CA 13 awards $623.8M
- AZ 8 awards $616.2M
- NY 7 awards $325.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.049). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,539,910,000 | |
| 2025 | $1,537,650,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $512,280,000 |
FAQ
Who can be the Principal Investigator?
At universities, the lead PI must be tenured or tenure-track faculty working full-time. For nonprofit organizations, the PI needs a continuing appointment with substantial research duties.
What are the two tracks?
Track 1 offers EAGER awards for exploratory work. Track 2 provides larger four-year grants up to $2,000,000 for multidisciplinary projects.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This grant does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from your organization.
Can international collaborators participate?
U.S. institutions can include work at international branch campuses if you explain the benefit and justify why it cannot be done at your U.S. campus.
What should proposals focus on?
Research must show strong potential for long-term impact on national S&T priorities. Proposals should explain how the work is use-inspired and may lay foundations for stated priorities.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Target Track 2 if you have a multidisciplinary team ready. Four-year awards up to $2M allow deeper foundational research than EAGER grants.
- Emphasize the strategic importance of wave-based computing to national priorities in your proposal narrative.
- Consider forming partnerships with industry early. NSF GOALI mechanism is specifically mentioned as an option for this program.
- Show how your team's expertise spans both computing and wave physics/dynamics. Interdisciplinary collaboration strengthens competitiveness.
- For nonprofits and international work, document clearly why your institution or international location is essential to the project's success.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing incremental improvements rather than transformative research. NSF EFRI seeks foundational breakthroughs in wave-based computing, not incremental advances. Failing to connect your work to national S&T priorities identified in the Administration's R&D budget memo. Submitting a solo-PI proposal when the program emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration and industry engagement.
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