X-Labs FAQ

NSF X-Labs Frequently Asked
Questions
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched the X-Labs initiative to deploy and test a new investment framework that seeks to reduce the time it takes to move from “insight to impact” and demonstrably contribute to the U.S. innovation enterprise. The following Frequently Asked Questions are meant to help potential proposers and partners to understand the “why,” the “what,” and the “how” of the NSF X-Labs initiative. Please note that this document may be updated as additional questions are received.

1. NSF X-Labs Overview

1. What is NSF X-Labs? Can we schedule a meeting with NSF to learn more about NSF X-Labs?
NSF X-Labs seeks to drive progress on “platform technologies” (as described below) critical to U.S. competitiveness. It supports high-risk, high-impact research requiring substantial resources beyond traditional mechanisms. A key goal of NSF X-Labs is to reduce the time it takes to go from “insight to impact” through this new investment framework.
The Topics announced to date serve to illustrate “X-Labs-shaped” problems. Specifically, NSF X-Labs aim to unlock “platform technologies,” or technologies that serve as the foundation for new scientific breakthroughs, novel engineering solutions, and/or future innovations, within the ambitions described in each NSF XLabs Topic Announcement and the associated technical problem statements. In doing so, NSF X-Labs aim to overcome significant challenges and bottlenecks that would benefit from dedicated teams. Venture capital may be reluctant to invest in high-risk technologies at early stages, and traditional federal investment in academic research may not provide the resources to do so – hence, we seek to support ambitious and impactful projects that require considerable early-stage resources over a longer time horizon before being ready to attract broader private sector interest.
Beyond compelling platform technologies and prototypes, we are also (and especially) searching for outstanding teams. We encourage applications from those who have innovative ideas, or who believe we are underinvesting as a nation in certain critical technologies.
Due to high community interest, it is not practical for NSF to meet directly with interested teams. Instead, we encourage interested parties to review the available NSF X-Labs materials and references available directly from the NSF X-Labs webpage: NSF X-Labs | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation. Further questions