Quantum Sensing Challenges for Transformational Advances in Quantum Systems | 22 630

Opportunity Information: Apply for 22 630

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funding opportunity titled "Quantum Sensing Challenges for Transformational Advances in Quantum Systems" (QuSeC-TAQS), Funding Opportunity Number 22-630, is a discretionary research grant program focused on accelerating progress in quantum sensing through bold, high-risk/high-reward research. The core idea is to push quantum sensor science and engineering beyond incremental improvements by supporting projects that are highly innovative, original, and potentially transformative, with an emphasis on integrated, team-based approaches rather than isolated single-investigator efforts.

A defining feature of QuSeC-TAQS is that proposals must be led by interdisciplinary teams made up of three or more investigators. This structure is meant to bring together complementary expertise, for example, quantum physics, engineering, materials science, device fabrication, controls, algorithms, systems integration, and application-domain knowledge. The program is designed for coordinated efforts that not only develop quantum sensing concepts, but also move them toward practical realization as sensor systems. In other words, the NSF is looking for projects that connect fundamental advances to credible system-level demonstrations, rather than stopping at theory or lab component performance alone.

The solicitation highlights development and application of quantum sensor systems with demonstrations that deliver either proof-of-principle results or field testing of concepts and platforms. This signals that QuSeC-TAQS is not just about proposing a better sensing mechanism on paper; it is about showing that a concept can work in a realistic setting. Depending on the maturity of the technology, that could mean a rigorous laboratory demonstration that validates the underlying sensing advantage, or an early field deployment that tests performance in operationally relevant environments. The intended outcome is that these demonstrations can lay a foundation for platforms that ultimately benefit society, indicating an interest in real-world impacts such as improved measurement capability, new sensing modalities, higher precision, better robustness, or access to measurements that are currently infeasible.

The program is explicitly aligned with the national strategy direction described in the report "Bringing Quantum Sensors to Fruition," produced by the National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science under the National Quantum Initiative. Practically, that alignment suggests NSF is encouraging proposals that help close the gap between promising quantum sensing research and deployable technologies, emphasizing the kinds of technical challenges that typically block transition: stability, calibration, noise and decoherence control, packaging, scalability, integration, and validation in relevant conditions. It also implies interest in work that strengthens the broader quantum ecosystem by developing enabling methods, platforms, and pathways from lab prototypes to usable systems.

Administratively, the opportunity is issued by NSF and categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development. The funding instrument is a grant. The listing references multiple NSF CFDA numbers (47.041, 47.049, 47.070, 47.074, 47.076, 47.084), reflecting that awards could span several NSF directorates or programs that collectively support foundational science, engineering, and cross-cutting quantum research. The posting shows an expected number of awards of 12. The award ceiling is listed as 0, which typically indicates that a fixed maximum was not stated in the summary field and applicants would need to consult the full solicitation text for budget guidance, project duration expectations, and any limits by track or project type.

Eligibility is noted as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)," meaning that eligibility is not fully captured in the short summary and is defined in the full opportunity document. In NSF solicitations, that often includes specific requirements about the types of institutions that can submit, any limits on submissions, and rules for collaborative proposals, subawards, and multi-organization teams, so applicants would need to confirm the exact eligibility conditions and submission format in the full announcement.

Key dates in the source data indicate the opportunity was created on September 11, 2022, with an original closing date of April 3, 2023. While that deadline has passed for the specific cycle captured in the provided data, the summary still accurately describes the program intent and the kind of project profile NSF sought: multi-investigator, interdisciplinary quantum sensing efforts that aim for coordinated system development and tangible demonstrations leading toward societal benefit.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Quantum Sensing Challenges for Transformational Advances in Quantum Systems" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.041, 47.049, 47.070, 47.074, 47.076, 47.084.
• This funding opportunity was created on Sep 11, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 03, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 12 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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