Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation awarded a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) grant of $550,000 to the University of Wisconsin-Madison on May 1, 2026, for research extending through April 30, 2031, under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041). This project grant funds the development of a laser-assisted hybrid nanomanufacturing system designed to advance scalable production of qubit arrays for quantum computing applications and in-space manufacturing. The core research deliverables include the establishment of an integrated nanomanufacturing platform that combines electrically driven micro- and nano-scale printing of functional materials, coaxial femtosecond laser sintering for three-dimensional feature formation, and dual-angle laser diffraction sensing for real-time quality monitoring and feedback control.

The grant supports both research and educational outcomes. On the research side, the project will produce predictive models governing laser-induced material processing, microstructure evolution, and device functionality, along with sensing and control systems for manufacturing feedback. The educational component delivers a virtual reality-enabled training platform designed to increase participation in advanced manufacturing and quantum technology education, particularly for learners with limited access to hardware and testing facilities. These combined outputs aim to establish manufacturing capabilities for quantum devices with enhanced precision and reliability while advancing U.S. competitiveness in quantum technologies and next-generation space systems.