NSF Launches “Tech Labs” Initiative to Accelerate Innovation

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at supporting and scaling a new generation of independent research organizations, known as “Tech Labs.” The initiative is designed to address complex technical challenges that are difficult to solve within traditional university or industry research environments. NSF is seeking public input on the concept through a Request for Information (RFI). 

According to NSF, the Tech Labs model reflects the growing need for coordinated, interdisciplinary teams capable of advancing breakthrough technologies from early-stage concepts to commercially viable platforms. The initiative would support full-time teams of researchers, scientists, and engineers operating with a high degree of autonomy and receiving milestone-based funding, rather than relying on traditional, project-by-project grant cycles. 

NSF TIP officials emphasized that Tech Labs are intended to move beyond conventional research outputs such as publications and datasets. Instead, the model focuses on providing sustained resources, operational flexibility, and financial runway to enable teams to overcome technology development bottlenecks and prepare innovations for private-sector investment and large-scale deployment. 

NSF anticipates making significant investments in the Tech Labs initiative beginning in fiscal year 2026, with large, multi-year awards expected for selected teams. To help shape the design and scope of the program, TIP is inviting feedback from a broad range of stakeholders, including academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, policymakers, investors, and state and local governments. 

Read the full NSF notice at: https://www.nsf.gov/news/nsf-announces-new-initiative-launch-scale-new-generation