National Science Foundation Seeks Submissions of Innovative Technologies for its NSF 2026 Idea Machine

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently announced the launch of its NSF 2026 Idea Machine initiative. The Idea Machine is an 8-week competition that runs from August 31 through October 26 that allows applicants the chance to contribute to the basic research federal agenda through 2026 and beyond.

The goal of the competition is to provide NSF with new ambitious ideas that address current issues in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and open the door for new areas of transformative research. This research should support basic research and positively impact the relationship between science and society.

"Scientific creativity and innovation have no bounds. Everyone in the scientific community, from middle schoolers to emeriti professors, as well as anyone who loves science in the general public have ideas about the future and what might be possible," said Suzi Iacono, head of NSF's Office of Integrative Activities. "We want to harness those rich imaginations through an approach that's totally new for NSF, but also in keeping with our tradition of reaching out into the community to find fresh, new ideas that have the potential to benefit science and society."

NSF will select between two and four winning entries and award them $26,000 along with the chance to be honored at an event in Washington, DC. All applications must be submitted by October 26.

For further information and to submit an application, click here: https://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/nsf2026ideamachine/index.jsp