Issue: ORN-2026-27

NSF launches Project Triad to advance quantum technology for real-world applications

The U.S. National Science Foundation today announced Project Triad, a first-of-its-kind initiative to integrate quantum sensing, quantum networking and quantum computing into a single operational system. By bringing these three capabilities together for the first time, Project Triad will move quantum technology out of the lab and into real-world use — with applications spanning safety, healthcare, energy, manufacturing and more. The initiative will lay the scientific and technological foundation needed to refine, scale and commercialize these systems through U.S. industry, strengthening American economic competitiveness, national security and quality of life.

"NSF Project Triad will unite the research enterprise to advance the administration's vision, ensuring public investments translate into strategic advantages in quantum technology for all Americans," said Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director. "Project Triad, in alignment with the executive order 'Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation,' continues NSF's leading role in advancing innovation that improves American prosperity, quality of life, national security and creates jobs for American workers."

Quantum technologies make use of quantum properties (such as entanglement and superposition) found in particles of matter and energy, like atoms and photons. This allows quantum sensors to detect finer details and quantum computers to potentially solve problems that would otherwise take years, or even centuries, to tackle.

• NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NSF NQVL) will deliver Project Triad's proof-of-concept integrated quantum system for experimentation and testing. Currently in the design phase, NSF plans to accelerate several NSF NQVL projects from design to implementation by December 2026 (pending funding availability).
   
• NSF X-Labs are independent teams of researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs pursuing milestone-based federal funding to solve specific scientific challenges, including quantum systems involving interconnects and photonics. Such technology will play a critical part in enabling integrated quantum systems to transfer quantum information between devices.
   
• NSF Quantum+X will work directly with industry to identify promising use cases and potential applications for integrated quantum technology. NSF is now actively seeking partnerships for the launch of an initial set of NSF Quantum+X funding tracks that could span the energy, finance, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, among others.

Project Triad draws on NSF's existing portfolio of quantum research programs — including its network of specialized institutes, engineering centers and national research infrastructure — giving Triad access to the latest findings and discoveries for real-world testing within the integrated quantum system. These programs also train the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers, ensuring the workforce is ready to build on what Project Triad delivers.

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NSF announces $1.5B NSF X-Labs initiative to pursue generational breakthrough science efforts

Today, the U.S. National Science Foundation announced $1.5 billion over the next decade toward the NSF X-Labs initiative to tackle pressing scientific challenges through novel and innovative research partnerships. This substantial long-term investment underscores NSF's commitment to new models of research outside of traditional institutions, reflecting the truly interdisciplinary nature of today's modern science ecosystem.

NSF X-Labs are independent teams of researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs pursuing milestone-based federal funding to solve specific scientific challenges.

The first round of NSF X-Labs funding opportunities invites proposals on two topics:

• Scientific Instrumentation for Sensing and Imaging — NSF is seeking X-Labs to build the next generation of scientific instruments, drawing on quantum sensing, artificial intelligence-driven computational imaging and entirely new chemical modalities.
• Quantum Systems: Interconnects and Integrated Photonics — NSF is seeking X-Labs to develop novel components to transfer quantum information and integrate heterogeneous quantum systems — key enablers of the computing frontier beyond classical systems.

The NSF X-Labs initiative is guided by the ambition of President Donald Trump's mandate to revitalize and strengthen America's science and technology ecosystem by exploring innovative models for funding and sharing high-value scientific research infrastructure and results. The design choices underpinning these efforts are informed by thoughtful science policy scholarship and entrepreneurship from both emerging and established think tanks, metascience experts, congressionally chartered study commissions and the broader scientific community.

NSF X-Labs, initially previewed during the early design stages as Tech Labs, was launched through a request for information (RFI) in December 2025, grounded in the recognition that many of today's science and technology acceleration and translation challenges require new approaches with coordinated, interdisciplinary teams to succeed. NSF X-Labs will move beyond traditional research outputs (e.g., publications and datasets), with sufficient resources, financial runway and independence to transition critical technology from early concepts or prototypes to commercially viable platforms ready for private investment to scale and deploy.

To learn more about the initiative and how to apply, read the NSF X-Labs funding opportunity