NOTE: The NSF has not yet released a full solicitation for this topic, but is expected to do so in Fall 2026. The internal competition is announced in anticipation to allow prospective applicants sufficient time to prepare their materials. All information in this announcement is subject to change.

URL: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/nsf-x-labs

Objectives

The NSF X-Labs initiative is a flexible, outcomes-driven effort to build and accelerate novel platform technologies capable of unlocking new sectors, advancing use-inspired scientific breakthroughs, and supporting U.S. leadership in science and technology. The X-Labs initiative awards Other Transaction Agreements (OTA) addressing particular topics. Through this OTA, NSF will accept proposals from domestic responsible entities capable of establishing full-time, interdisciplinary R&D teams with the operational autonomy, technical expertise, and organizational flexibility necessary to pursue ambitious missions.

This topic will enable advances in biological engineering by linking protein sequence and structure to biological function. NSF X-Labs in this topic will close the gap between predicting protein structure and understanding the dynamic behavior of proteins by creating platform technologies that enable the intentional design of individual proteins or entire genomes whose function is predictable and/or controllable.

Funding Information

Up to $1.5 million for Phase 0 and up to $50 million per year for Phase 1.

Eligibility

Eligible X-Labs must be institutionally independent organizational structures. Thus, to be eligible for an NSF X-Labs Phase 1 award, teams are expected to operate with substantial independence in decision making, staffing, funding, partnerships, and day-to-day operations. Prior to and/or during Phase 0, NSF anticipates that some teams may not yet have established an independent governance structure required of a Phase 1 NSF X-Lab. In such cases, NSF expects to issue a Phase 0 award to a lead organization that will act as a host for the team.

Consult the X-Labs Autonomy Factor Assessment in the September 16 Amendment (section 6.1.1) available on the opportunity website.

Internal Selection Process

BU may submit up to 2 proposals as a lead organization.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by: 11/11/2026

  • Team Mission Summary (2 pages max) describing the team’s mission, how the mission connects with this Topic, and the significance of the proposed transformative approach
  • List of Collaborators
  • Up-to-date CV for the PI or Co-PI(s)
  • Email from PI’s Department Chair expressing support

As necessary, a faculty review committee will review internal applications and select the institutional nominee(s).

Deadlines

Internal Materials Due: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 by 11:59 pm ET

Anticipated Notification Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Expected External Materials Due: Early February 2027

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