Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes (QLCI)
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 9, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for large-scale interdisciplinary quantum research institutes seeking to catalyze breakthroughs in quantum information science and technology. Only U.S. institutions of higher education (two- and four-year colleges, including community colleges) can submit proposals. Eligible institutions must be accredited and have a campus located in the U.S. acting on behalf of faculty members.
Institutes coordinate multiple institutions and disciplines to address challenges in quantum computation, quantum communication, quantum simulation, and quantum sensing. Projects must integrate research, education, workforce development, and community coordination.
International branch campuses may participate only if the proposer explains specific benefits and justifies why work cannot be done at the U.S. campus. NSF expects institutes to foster partnerships, industry engagement, outreach, and international collaboration alongside research goals.
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Program description
Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes are large-scale interdisciplinary research projects motivated by major challenges at the frontiers of quantum information science and technology (QIST). Institutes are expected to catalyze breakthroughs on important problems underpinning QIST, for example in the focus areas of quantum computation, quantum communication, quantum simulation and/or quantum sensing. Successful institutes will coordinate a variety of approaches to specific scientific, technological, and educational goals in these fields, including multiple institutions and building upon multiple disciplines, as motivated by the science and engineering challenges. In so doing, Institutes will nurture a culture of discovery, provide education, training, and workforce development opportunities in the context of cutting-edge research, and demonstrate value-added from synergistic coordination within the institute and with the broader community. Partnerships, infrastructure, industry engagement, outreach, international collaboration, and new applications for QIST should be fostered by Institutes in support of their research, education, and coordination goals.
The QLCI program can support awards to continue existing Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes or to establish and operate new Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes. In either case, proposers should follow the same guidance for Challenge Institute proposal preparation described in this solicitation. While this is a crosscutting program, proposals responding to this solicitation must be submitted to the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI) in the Directorate of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS). They will subsequently be managed by a cross-disciplinary team of NSF Program Directors.
The QLCI program enables NSF multidisciplinary centers for quantum research and education as called for in the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act1 and an NQI Advisory Committee report, Renewing the National Quantum Initiative: Recommendations for Sustaining American Leadership in Quantum Information Science2. In alignment with the NQI Act, Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes shall pursue research at the frontiers of quantum information science, engineering, and technology, and explore solutions to important challenges for the development, application, commercialization, and pioneering use of quantum technologies. QLCI Institutes shall also lead education, training, and workforce development activities as may be needed for sustained leadership in QIST and related topics. Coordination both within each Institute and with new partners and the broader ecosystem should also serve to galvanize the community and catalyze the research and education activities in ways that go beyond what smaller projects could accomplish in isolation.
1 National Quantum Initiative Act, Public Law 115-368, of December 21, 2018.
2 https://www.quantum.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NQIAC-Report-Renewing-the-National-Quantum-Initiative.pdf
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proposal narrative describing research, education, and coordination goals
- Budget and budget justification
- Institutional commitment letters from all participating organizations
- Letters of support from industry or other partners (if applicable)
- CV or biographical sketches of key personnel
- Management plan for multi-institutional coordination
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.084 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$33,821,660
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$33,168,625
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$31,976,680
-
$30,513,596
-
$30,163,581
-
Icamr, Inc. FL$29,938,673
-
$29,869,465
-
$29,494,884
-
$28,841,053
-
$27,448,182
Top States by Funding
- MA 15 awards $151.3M
- CA 12 awards $126.9M
- NY 11 awards $120.7M
- IL 8 awards $89.8M
- DC 8 awards $76.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.084). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $607,870,000 | |
| 2025 | $609,179,999 | |
| 2026 est. | $346,570,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for QLCI funding?
Only accredited U.S. institutions of higher education (including community colleges) can submit proposals on behalf of their faculty. International branch campuses may participate with justification.
What is the typical award size and duration?
Awards range from $10 million to $45 million. The program supports both continuation of existing institutes and establishment of new ones. Typical project duration and renewal options are determined per institute.
What research areas does QLCI support?
The program funds interdisciplinary work in quantum computation, quantum communication, quantum simulation, and quantum sensing. Institutes must coordinate multiple institutions and disciplines around specific scientific and technological challenges.
Do I need cost-sharing to apply?
No. QLCI does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from applicants.
What makes a competitive QLCI proposal?
Strong proposals demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration, education and workforce development integration, industry partnerships, and clear pathways to breakthroughs on frontier quantum problems. Coordination value across institutions strengthens competitiveness.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build a truly multidisciplinary team across multiple institutions before proposing. This program rewards synergy.
- Integrate education and workforce development throughout your research plan, not as an afterthought. NSF expects this as a core component.
- Clearly articulate the specific frontier problem you are addressing in quantum research. Generic proposals won't be competitive.
- Demonstrate engagement with industry, other research centers, and the broader quantum ecosystem. Coordination multiplies impact.
- Address how your institute goes beyond what isolated smaller projects could achieve. Emphasize the value-add of scale and integration.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Treating education and workforce development as separate from research rather than integrated. Proposing as a collection of independent projects instead of a coordinated institute. Failing to explain how multidisciplinary coordination creates additional value beyond individual contributions.
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