Verticals-enabling Intelligent Network Systems (VINES)

NSF 25-539

The VINES program seeks to support both fundamental research and verticals-driven technology development, demonstration, and translation activities that will lead to leaps in performance and capabilities of next generation (NextG) advanced intelligent network systems that span the user-edge-core-cloud continuum. The program seeks to go beyond the current research portfolios within individual participating NSF directorates and partner organizations by simultaneously emphasizing gains in performance and capabilities without compromising resilience and interoperability across all layers of the networking protocol and computation stacks. Innovations are sought across the various aspects of next generation communications, networking, and computing systems.

This program is a multisector effort led by the National Science Foundation (NSF), in partnership with several industry and international agency partners, and in cooperation with other U.S. Federal agencies. It recognizes the importance of advanced telecommunications as a key technology area. The program seeks to enhance U.S. competitiveness in advanced telecommunications technologies to establish itself as a global leader in both NextG wireless telecommunications and emerging potential NextG vertical industries, as well as address the need for skilled workforce and expertise in these technology areas. VINES expects to increase investments in foundational technology innovations and their translation while leveraging international eco-system partners to drive the principles of open and trustworthy networks. It seeks to fund collaborative research that transcends the traditional boundaries of individual disciplines or geographic boundaries to achieve the program goals.

This program is organized into two Tracks:

• Track 1 (Use-inspired Fundamental Research) will support activities focused on use-inspired fundamental research to develop novel networking techniques and solutions.
• Track 2 (Verticals-Driven Technology Development, Demonstration, and Translation) will support activities focused on technology development, maturation, demonstration, integration, and translation of solutions with higher technology readiness levels (TRLs), with the goal of producing adoption-ready technologies. Industry contributions will not be used to fund Track 2.

Companies specifically listed in this solicitation have committed to providing annual unrestricted donations to NSF for the purpose of funding proposals in Track 1. The reference to "industry partners" in this document refers specifically to Ericsson, Intel, and Qualcomm in their role as funding partners in this solicitation. The donations from these partners have been agreed upon based on a shared belief in the importance of advancing use-inspired fundamental research, education, and workforce development goals identified in Track 1.

In the spirit of a whole-of-government approach, the collaborating U.S. Federal agencies listed on this solicitation, NIST, OUSD (R&E), and DHS, referred to as "Federal partners," have participated in the development of this solicitation. NIST, OUSD (R&E), and DHS intend to consider co-funding proposals subject to availability of funds. Proposals will be recommended for funding in accordance with the NSF Selection Process described below. The collaborating U.S. agencies may consider funding or co-funding of proposals from either track in this solicitation. Any funds transferred from these partners to NSF will be combined with NSF and other partner funds where applicable to make awards under this program. These awards are made and managed at NSF.

As the NextG networks eco-system is global, this program also partners with international agencies to advance research and accelerate technology translation in the spirit of principles and values outlined in the February 26, 2024, "Joint Statement Endorsing Principles for 6G: Secure, Open, and Resilient by Design." International funding agencies listed in this solicitation, referred to as "international partners," from Finland, India, Japan, and Sweden have participated in the development of this solicitation. This program seeks proposals formed entirely by U.S. funded teams, as well as international collaborative proposals formed by U.S. and international partner funded teams. Personnel requesting funding from international partners on international collaborative proposals are referred to as foreign collaborators. For international collaborative proposals, this program supports bi-lateral international projects with the U.S., i.e., projects seeking funding from the U.S. in partnership with only one of the participating international partners. Proposals will be recommended for funding in accordance with the NSF Selection Process described below. International collaborative proposals are expected to have the international team funded by the respective international partner.

Standard Grant or Continuing Grant or Cooperative Agreement

Track 1: Up to $1,500,000 total per award

Track 2: Up to $6,000,000 per award

$1,500,000 to $4,000,000

Not Required

August 25, 2025

Track 1

September 25, 2025

Track 2 (Submission of a Concept Outline by August 25th is required. See full text for additional information)

• Alhussein A. Abouzeid, telephone: (703) 292-7855, email: aabouzei@nsf.gov
• Sudharman Jayaweera Kankanamge, telephone: (703) 292-2828, email: sjayawee@nsf.gov
• John M. Chapin, telephone: (703) 292-8222, email: jchapin@nsf.gov