• Quantum+X: This challenge will accelerate quantum innovation for sectors such as energy, biotechnology, and finance. U.S. participants will showcase algorithm and application solutions that could redefine what quantum technology makes possible. Through an NSF partnership with industry, teams will work on sector-relevant problems that advance both the economy and fundamental questions in chemistry, mathematics, and materials science.
• Synthetic Multicellularity Prize: A multistage competition that NSF says will transform the ability to design biology. Participants will demonstrate computational and experimental approaches in synthetic and engineering biology — building biological systems from scratch or re-engineering them — that add complexity and regulation to the design of multicellular systems. Results could advance understanding of cell biology, development, and aging, with applications from medicine to biomanufacturing.

How will the X-Labs Consortium work?

The NSF X-Labs Consortium launches with founding partners from research institutions, advanced computing centers, philanthropy, and industry. Together they represent over $300 million in commitments.

The consortium will support NSF X-Labs — a new generation of organizations enabling independent teams of researchers, technologists, and entrepreneurs to pursue milestone-based federal funding to solve specific scientific and technological challenges. Partners will provide:

• Floor space and physical facilities
• Access to scientific instruments and infrastructure
• Direct support and expertise

What are 'Super Intelligence-Native Instruments'?

In collaboration with industry and philanthropic partners, NSF will soon release a funding opportunity tied to the NSF Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network (NSF PCLNet), announced in July 2026. The focus: developing Super Intelligence-Native Instruments (SINI) — instruments designed from the ground up for the modern era of data and super intelligence, meaning they are digital-first.

NSF anticipates investing up to $75 million over the next five years. The agency frames this as a significant step toward the automation of science and engineering and toward super intelligence-driven discovery.

How will NSF support young talent?

The Science: A New Golden Age report stresses identifying and developing exceptionally talented Americans who will lead U.S. science and technology in the coming decades. NSF is responding with two programs:

• National Math Stars: NSF will invest $30 million over four years, fully matched by private philanthropy. The funding will help the organization grow its talent identification and development programs and support the design and testing of a scalable digital platform to help families nurture children's mathematical potential. The investment builds on NSF's legacy of supporting young talent through the NSF Young Scholars Program.
• NextGen Workforce: This program aims to get students earning STEM graduate degrees into the workforce faster. It will develop accelerated bachelor's-to-doctoral degree programs and innovative, interdisciplinary graduate training programs that provide direct support for enrolled students, addressing critical and emerging national STEM workforce needs.

NSF says more details about all of these programs and initiatives will be available in the coming days. As with any newly announced initiative, the structure and outcomes of the X-Labs, the metascience experiments, and the prize competitions remain to be seen — the office and consortium are only now being stood up, and no results exist yet.