To replace and upgrade critical analytical instrumentation at the center for integrative nanotechnology sciences (cins), a shared-use research facility serving academic researchers, k-12 students,…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology awarded $3 million to the University of Arkansas System, doing business as University of Arkansas at Little Rock, on September 1, 2026, under the Congressionally-Identified Projects program (CFDA 11.617) to replace and upgrade critical analytical instrumentation at the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences, a shared-use research facility serving academic researchers, K–12 students, industry partners, and startup companies across Arkansas.

The entire $3 million will be applied exclusively to equipment purchases and minor facility alterations necessary to accommodate new analytical instruments. The upgraded instrumentation will enable the facility to maintain high-level research integrity and serve over 20 regional manufacturers and technology businesses that currently utilize CINS to validate products, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and accelerate commercialization. The work is expected to drive regional economic competitiveness and support the education of future scientists.

The award carries a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028, with place of performance in Little Rock, Arkansas. The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.

Activities

The entire $3 million in requested award funds will be applied exclusively to equipment purchases and minor facility alterations/equipping of research space necessary to accommodate the new instruments.

Expected outcomes

Replacing aging legacy equipment with these state-of-the-art modern analytical instruments will allow UA little rock to maintain high-level research integrity, drive regional economic competitiveness by assisting local industry partners, and support the education of future scientists, ensuring the nano center continues to serve as a vital, cutting-edge resource for both the university and the state of arkansas.

Intended beneficiaries

The acquisition of these advanced analytical instruments will serve as a critical catalyst for central arkansas's thriving start-up and industrial community. Currently, over 20 regional manufacturers and technology businesses benefit from utilization of the cins instrumentation to validate their products, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and accelerate commercialization. By upgrading to state-of-the-art equipment, UA little rock will directly support the region's economic competitiveness across several high-impact sectors.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.