Engineering (ENG): Electrical, Communications, and Computing Systems (ECCS)
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Aug 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for academic and research institutions pursuing foundational engineering research in electrical, communications, and computing systems. Eligible applicants include colleges, universities, and other research organizations that conduct NSF-supported research. Three core programs are supported: Electronic, Photonic, Magnetic, and Quantum Devices; Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing; and Energy, Power, Control, and Learning. The program supports exploratory, foundational research with intellectual ambition and transformative potential—commercial outcomes and near-term deployment are not required.
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Program description
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Engineering (NSF ENG) supports foundational research for electrical, communications and computing systems through the following programs:
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The Electronic, Photonic, Magnetic, and Quantum Devices (EPMQD) program supports foundational engineering research on novel classical and quantum devices, exploring matter’s electronic, photonic, and magnetic properties to enable new applications.
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The Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing (CSCS) program supports foundational engineering research on classical and quantum aspects of advanced components, systems, and signal processing for communications and sensing.
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The Energy, Power, Control, and Learning (EPCL) program supports foundational research on systems and control, learning, optimization, artificial intelligence, and networked multi-agent systems, and their applications, with emphasis on power and energy systems.
NSF ENG anticipates a portfolio of ENG: Electrical, Communications, and Computing Systems (ECCS) awards with a range of budgets and durations. Estimated program budget, number of awards, and average award size/duration are subject to the availability of funds.
NSF ENG is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research. Proposals need not promise a near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome, nor need they address later-stage development to be competitive.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG standard forms (SF-424, SF-424(R&D), etc.)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- CV of principal investigator(s)
- Letters of support or collaboration agreements
- Facilities and equipment descriptions
- References to prior NSF support (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.041 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$41,946,862
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$39,305,237
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$38,714,114
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$38,523,346
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$37,936,436
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$37,861,058
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$37,780,463
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$36,940,111
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$36,277,271
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$36,183,087
Top States by Funding
- TX 3 awards $93.8M
- CA 7 awards $86.9M
- NC 3 awards $71.9M
- IL 4 awards $70.5M
- AZ 2 awards $68.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.041). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $752,230,000 | |
| 2025 | $727,730,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $181,990,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Universities, colleges, and research institutions conducting engineering research are typically eligible. Check NSF's standard eligibility requirements for your institution type.
What research areas are covered?
Three main areas: quantum and photonic devices, communications and sensing circuits, and energy/power/control systems with AI and learning components.
Does the research need to have a commercial application?
No. NSF emphasizes foundational research and values intellectual ambition over near-term commercial outcomes.
How competitive is this program?
NSF programs are highly competitive. Proposals must demonstrate novel approaches and significant research contributions to stand out.
What is the typical award size?
Award amounts vary based on project scope and duration. Check recent award announcements for typical ranges in your subprogram.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize the foundational and transformative aspects of your research, not commercial applications.
- Clearly align your proposal with one of the three ECCS subprograms (EPMQD, CSCS, or EPCL).
- Demonstrate intellectual rigor and novel approaches to challenging engineering problems.
- Address how your work advances the field beyond incremental improvements.
- Build a strong research team with complementary expertise and track records of publication.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals focused solely on near-term deployment or commercial applications often underperform. Weak or unclear alignment with one of the three ECCS subprograms reduces competitiveness. Insufficient emphasis on foundational research contributions and intellectual innovation weakens proposals.
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