The Quantum Leap Challenge Institute (QLCI) program will fund Institutes comprised of multidisciplinary groups of scientists and engineers united by a common challenge theme for advancing the research frontiers in focus areas such as quantum networking, quantum computation, quantum simulation and/or quantum sensing. The Challenge Institutes will also contribute to the development of a well-trained workforce through cross-disciplinary and collaborative basic research, project-driven training, and innovative curricula. The QLCI program is expected to facilitate research, training, and education through exposure of trainees to theoretical frameworks, algorithmic techniques, experimental platforms and test beds, and interactions with national laboratories, industry, and international partners. The Challenge Institutes will build on prior investments in quantum information science and engineering and are expected to coordinate and integrate with ongoing and new NSF QIST initiatives, including center-scale, infrastructure, and workforce development activities.

Competitive QLCI proposals will demonstrate:

• Unifying Research Themes 
  • A research challenge at the frontiers of QISE with compelling goals, milestones, and impacts that can galvanize a community of researchers and partners.   
  • A research approach that fosters community engagement and brings together experts and stakeholders from multiple disciplines to overcome important challenges in QIST research, development, and demonstration.
• Coherent Approaches to Education and Workforce Development 
  • Training and mentoring in the context of cutting-edge research.
  • Innovative and substantive approaches to curricular and professional development, including multidisciplinary and practical activities, as motivated by the research challenges and the associated QIST ecosystem.
  • Community engagement including outreach at all levels and industry engagement in workforce development activities.
• Synergistic Coordination Demonstrating Value-Added from an Institute  
  • Partnerships that accelerate progress on the research theme and the education and training activities.
  • Infrastructure enhancements, including new instrumentation, upgrades, staffing, and access to infrastructure in furtherance of the research and training goals.
  • Unites the institute community, accelerates results dissemination, facilitates technological innovation and development of new applications for QIST in service to the community/nation, and justifies the value-added from an institute.
    
    
• NSF Letter of Intent Deadline: February 07, 2025
• NSF Preliminary Proposal Deadline: March 07, 2025
• NSF Full Proposal Deadline: September 17, 2025 (invitation only)
  

Link to FOA Here: Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes (QLCI) 

PI Eligibility:  Individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as a Principal Investigator (PI) are invited to work with their organizations to develop an application. Individuals from underrepresented groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply.  While they can participate in multiple LOIs and preliminary proposals, the lead PI and up to four additional co-PIs must only participate in one invited Challenge Institute Full Proposal.

Institutional Limit: Institutions are limited to no more than two (2) preliminary proposals and no more than two (2) invited Challenge Institute Full Proposals; there are no limits on the number of LOIs.

Application Information:   All UD limited submission white papers must use this template found on the Research Office limited submission webpage. Applications not adhering to this requirement will be returned without review.

Merit Review Criteria: Summaries will be reviewed based on the criteria detailed in the solicitation.