Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes (QLCI) NSF 24-599

Sponsor: NSF
Internal Deadline: 10/30/2024
Institutional Submission Limit: 2
Sponsor Deadline: 02/07/2025
Program Website

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 testbeds, 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.

The salient Characteristics of an Institute and the Major Activities performed by an Institute are described in the solicitation.

Lead organizations are limited to submit no more than two (2) Challenge Institute Preliminary Proposals.

Preliminary proposals are required.

Preliminary proposals will undergo full merit review. At the end of this process, proposers will be informed whether or not a full proposal is invited for the project. Only full proposals received in response to an invitation will be considered. The review of the invited full QLCI proposals will include a presentation by the proposing team at the NSF headquarters in Alexandria, VA. Additional details are provided in Sec. V (Proposal Preparation) and Sec. VI (Proposal Review).

 

 

 

Submission Process

Limited submissions MUST be coordinated with the Office of the Vice President for Research.

If interested in applying for this opportunity, please combine the following items into a single PDF and email to resdev@mailbox.sc.edu by 5pm on the INTERNAL DEADLINE above:

• Cover page with grant program name & number, your project title, PI (name, department/unit, & email), and list of co-PIs/key collaborators (name & department/unit), including if applicable other participating organizations
• a 2-3 page project abstract providing an overview of the proposed major Institute activities including the unifying challenge as well as context and motivation for the proposed Challenge Institute, specific research focus areas, workforce development activities and community engagement.
• a 2-3 page CV/biosketch for the PI (SCiENcv preferred)