Emerging Technologies Program

To advance domestic technical and manufacturing capabilities across critical emerging technology sectors by leadership in research and development (R & D), streamlining technology transfer, and strengthening domestic supply chains.

NIST plays a vital role in advancing critical emerging technologies for U.S. industrial competitiveness and innovation. The purpose of the Emerging Technologies Accelerator Program is to fund the establishment, administration, and on-going operations of collaborative R & D ventures. Jointly with U.S. industry, the program utilizes a co-development model to accelerate the manufacturability, scalability, and commercial deployment of technologies, across the areas of Quantum, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biotechnology. Funded activities support multi-disciplinary R & D projects to break down technical barriers and reduce timelines to commercial U.S. production. In quantum, the program focuses on technical challenges to manufacturing of sensors, networks, and scalable, high-performance quantum components and systems, with an emphasis on Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) and practical considerations for deployment. In AI, the program focuses on closing the gap between fundamental research and market impact by accelerating the development and deployment of AI technologies in high-priority application areas, with a focus on direct co-development partnerships with U.S. industry, clear and measurable performance targets, and rapid technology transfer that delivers tangible economic benefit to American competitiveness and innovation. . In Biotechnology, the program focuses on technical challenges in advanced biomanufacturing and engineering biology with a focus on developing automated, autonomous process controls and analytical technologies, and unlocking the potential of AI-ready biological datasets at scale through interoperable technologies.

Experience and specialized expertise in facilitating large quantum consortium or center initiatives, combined with knowledge and understanding of quantum technologies, commercialization, and the U.S. quantum industry.

U.S. quantum technology manufacturers, AI software developers, biotechnology firms, domestic R & D performers, and federal partner agencies seeking synergistic cross-domain advancements.

Center operations, and research and development.

Criteria vary with competition. Dependent upon nature and type of award. Specific criteria are listed in the Notices of Funding Opportunities posted at www.grants.gov.

Criteria vary with competition. Dependent upon nature and type of award. Specific criteria are listed in the Notices of Funding Opportunities posted at www.grants.gov.

Criteria vary with competition. Dependent upon nature and type of award. Specific criteria are listed in the Notices of Funding Opportunities posted at www.grants.gov.