National Quantum Virtual Laboratory – Quantum Testbeds
Can you apply?
This grant is for quantum technology development through NSF's National Quantum Virtual Laboratory. Proposals must be submitted by eligible organizations only after prior approval from a preceding project phase (Pilot for Design phase; Design for Implementation phase). Lead Organization can be any type of organization, but submission requires positive recommendation from prior site visit panels.
Design-phase applicants must have completed a successful QSTD:Pilot project. Implementation-phase applicants must have completed a successful QSTD:Design project. Both phases require NSF Program Officer approval before submission.
All prospective principal investigators must contact the NQVL Program Officer at least two weeks before submitting. Researchers will develop use-inspired quantum technologies and engage in workforce development and outreach.
This grant is for quantum technology development through NSF's National Quantum Virtual Laboratory. Proposals must be submitted by eligible organizations only after prior approval from a preceding project phase (Pilot for Design phase; Design for Implementation phase). Lead Organization can be any type of organization, but submission requires positive recommendation from prior site visit panels.
Design-phase applicants must have completed a successful QSTD:Pilot project. Implementation-phase applicants must have completed a successful QSTD:Design project. Both phases require NSF Program Officer approval before submission.
All prospective principal investigators must contact the NQVL Program Officer at least two weeks before submitting. Researchers will develop use-inspired quantum technologies and engage in workforce development and outreach.
Program description
The National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act1aims to ensure the continuing leadership of the United States (U.S.) in quantum information science and technology. In conformance with the NQI goals, an argument2-5was set forth for a renewed emphasis on identifying and fostering early adoption of quantum technologies to transform the field of Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) and to accelerate broader impacts on society. A systematic approach to maturing quantum technology platforms by integrating end-users and potential customers from other fields of science and engineering and other sectors of the economy into cycles of research, development, and demonstration should lower the barriers for end-users to pioneer new applications. NSF support for use-inspired and translational research in QISE, combined with continued strong support of the underlying foundational research, is anticipated to accelerate development of a market for quantum technologies.
With this program solicitation, the Foundation is taking the next step in implementing the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NQVL) concept as an overarching shared infrastructure designed to facilitate the translation from basic science and engineering to the resultant technology, while at the same time emphasizing and advancing its scientific and technical value. The NQVL aims to develop and utilize use-inspired and application-oriented quantum technologies. In the process, NQVL researchers will explore quantum frontiers6, foster the development of QISE education and workforce development strategies, engage in outreach activities at all levels, and promote input and participation from the full spectrum of talent in QISE, thereby lowering barriers at all entry points of the research enterprise. Engagement with all sectors of the United States (U.S.) QISE community will be necessary for this initiative to succeed, and, indeed, the project is designed to include participation from a full spectrum of organizations who have expertise to contribute. In particular, NSF recognizes that the involvement of industry partners is essential and will welcome these to be a part of the overall structure. Partnerships with other U.S. Federal agencies under the NQI umbrella are also encouraged.
While this solicitation lays out the vision for the entire NQVL program that includes Quantum Science and Technology Demonstration (QSTD) projects, support for enabling technologies through Transformative Advances in Quantum Systems (TAQS), as well as a central coordination hub, only proposals for Design- and Implementation-phase QSTDs are solicited at this time.
Submission of a QSTD:Design proposal is contingent upon the existence of a QSTD:Pilot project in the same topical area, and the positive recommendation from the Conceptual Design Review of the QSTD:Pilot project. The QSTD:Design project builds on progress made in the QSTD:Pilot phase.
Submission of a QSTD:Implementation proposal is contingent upon the existence of a QSTD:Design project in the same topical area, and the positive recommendation from the Preliminary Design Review of the QSTD:Design project. The QSTD:Implementation project builds on progress made in the QSTD:Design phase.
It is required that prospective PIs contact the NQVL Program Officer(s) as soon as possible, but not later than two weeks before submitting a proposal in response to this solicitation, to ascertain that the focus and budget of their proposal is appropriate for this solicitation.
- H.R.6227 – National Quantum Initiative Act,https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/6227
- Accelerating Progress Towards Practical Quantum Advantage, A National Science Foundation Project Scoping Workshop (2022),https://arxiv.org/abs/2210.14757
- Quantum Computer Systems for Scientific Discovery, PRX Quantum 2, 017001 (2021)https://doi.org/10.1103/PRXQuantum.2.017001
- Development of Quantum InterConnects for Next-Generation Information Technologies, PRX Quantum 2, 017002 (2021)https://doi.org/10.1103/PRXQuantum.2.017002
- Quantum Simulators: Architectures and Opportunities, PRX Quantum 2, 017003 (2021)https://doi.org/10.1103/PRXQuantum.2.017003
- Quantum Frontiers: Report on Community Input to the Nation’s Strategy for Quantum Information Science,https://www.quantum.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/QuantumFrontiers.pdf
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for quantum technology development through NSF's National Quantum Virtual Laboratory. Proposals must be submitted by eligible organizations only after prior approval from a preceding project phase (Pilot for Design phase; Design for Implementation phase). Lead Organization can be any type of organization, but submission requires positive recommendation from prior site visit panels.
Design-phase applicants must have completed a successful QSTD:Pilot project. Implementation-phase applicants must have completed a successful QSTD:Design project. Both phases require NSF Program Officer approval before submission.
All prospective principal investigators must contact the NQVL Program Officer at least two weeks before submitting. Researchers will develop use-inspired quantum technologies and engage in workforce development and outreach.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF NQVL Program Solicitation (check for specific form requirements listed in Section IV)
- Project Narrative describing Design or Implementation phase advancement
- Prior Phase Site Visit Panel Review documentation
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Letters of commitment from partner organizations and industry (if applicable)
- Biographical sketches of PI and key personnel
- Facilities and Other Resources documentation
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.076 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$116,005,485
-
$111,205,673
-
$82,631,883
-
$50,428,430
-
$45,382,137
-
$42,090,891
-
$41,100,753
-
$39,061,618
-
$33,116,189
-
$30,232,784
Top States by Funding
- CA 17 awards $411.8M
- MA 4 awards $209.6M
- TX 7 awards $122.7M
- NY 5 awards $115.4M
- IL 5 awards $96.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.076). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,087,560,000 | |
| 2025 | $1,169,550,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $286,650,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only teams transitioning from prior QSTD phases (Pilot to Design, or Design to Implementation). Prior project completion and NSF approval are required. Any organization type can serve as Lead Organization.
What is required before submission?
Contact the NQVL Program Officer at least two weeks before submitting. You must have a positive recommendation from your prior phase's site visit panel. This is mandatory.
What activities does this grant support?
Quantum technology development, demonstration projects, workforce development, and outreach. Projects build on progress from earlier phases and translate basic research into practical applications.
How competitive are these awards?
Very competitive. Applicants must demonstrate strong progress from prior phase work. Selection is based on positive site visit panel recommendations and NSF approval.
When is the deadline and how much can I request?
Fixed deadline is April 6, 2027. Award amounts are not specified in the solicitation. Budget must be pre-approved by Program Officer.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the NQVL Program Officer two weeks before submitting—this is essential and non-negotiable. Approval at this stage affects your entire proposal trajectory.
- Emphasize how your Design or Implementation phase builds directly on accomplishments from your prior Pilot or Design project. Strong continuity is critical.
- Highlight partnerships with industry and other federal agencies under the NQI umbrella. Collaboration strengthens competitiveness.
- Demonstrate clear pathways to practical quantum technology adoption and real-world applications, not just theoretical advancement.
- Plan for workforce development and outreach as integral components, not add-ons. These align with NQVL's core mission.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting without prior phase project completion or positive site visit recommendation. Failing to contact Program Officer two weeks before submission. Overlooking requirement for NSF approval before advancing to new phase. Proposing isolated research without demonstrating connection to earlier phase work. Underestimating timeline for pre-submission communication and approvals.
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