Engineering (ENG): Electrical, Communications, and Computing Systems (ECCS)
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for academic and research institutions conducting foundational engineering research on electrical, communications, and computing systems. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research centers, and organizations with capacity to conduct advanced research. Research must focus on one of three areas: novel devices (EPMQD), communications and sensing systems (CSCS), or energy, power, and control systems (EPCL).
NSF prioritizes intellectually ambitious, potentially transformative foundational research. Proposals should address scientific questions rather than near-term commercial applications. Cost-sharing is 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 Standard Form 424 (SF-424)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Curriculum Vitae for all senior personnel
- Letters of 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
- IL 5 awards $78.8M
- NC 3 awards $71.9M
- AZ 2 awards $68.6M
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?
Academic research institutions, universities, and organizations capable of conducting foundational engineering research typically qualify. Check NSF's current solicitation for specific institutional eligibility requirements.
What research areas are eligible?
The grant covers three programs: Electronic, Photonic, Magnetic, and Quantum Devices; Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing; and Energy, Power, Control, and Learning. All support foundational research, not applied development.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing is not required for this program. You can request full funding for your project budget.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is August 17, 2076. Check NSF's website for any rolling deadlines or submission windows within this period.
What makes a competitive proposal?
Competitive proposals demonstrate intellectual rigor and potential for transformative impact. Focus on foundational science rather than immediate applications or commercial outcomes.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research clearly with one of the three ECCS programs before writing. Unclear program fit significantly weakens competitiveness.
- Emphasize foundational intellectual contribution over near-term practical outcomes. NSF values basic science that could enable future applications.
- Ensure your team has track records in relevant engineering research. Strong preliminary data and publication history strengthen proposals.
- Follow NSF formatting guidelines precisely, including budget justification and project narrative page limits. Non-compliance can lead to desk rejection.
- Request reasonable budgets matched to project scope. Reviewers scrutinize cost-effectiveness and feasibility of research plans.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing applied or commercial development rather than foundational research. Misaligning work with one of the three specific programs (EPMQD, CSCS, or EPCL). Failing to justify costs or providing insufficient detail in project narratives.
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