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ERI Funding Opportunities

Welcome to the ERI Funding Opportunities Site

College of Engineering campus
Research drives excellence in the College of Engineering by serving as a magnet to attract and retain outstanding faculty and students. Funding opportunities relevant to the College of Engineering will be posted here. If you are interested in pursuing any of these opportunities please contact ERI at eri-pre@iastate.edu for assistance or additional information. New opportunities are posted weekly. To have the new opportunities delivered directly to your inbox please subscribe using your ISU email address. One email per week.

 

 

Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 Announcement

DARPA

Solicitation: DARPA-PA-26-02

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/c26b38bf041a4d70b00ed619bebb4773/view

Posted Date: November 14, 2025

Deadline Date: November 14, 2026

 

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seeks innovative approaches to address challenges related to quantum computing. The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) aims to examine approaches for constructing a utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer and computational workflows that include quantum compute steps. Proposed research should investigate approaches that enable revolutionary advances in design, engineering, test, and evaluation of such systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice. To rapidly capitalize on new opportunities, DARPA announces the QBI 2026 opportunity, which seeks specific solutions to targeted challenges related to developing utility-scale quantum computers, as defined in specific QBI topic (QBIT) calls. Each QBIT will (1) outline specific details regarding the research topic of interest and (2) provide proposal and submission instructions, including the due date for proposal submission, in addition to those outlined in this PA. Proposals must only be submitted in response to a QBIT. Proposals submitted directly to this PA will not be considered.

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): Mine of the Future – Proving Ground Initiative

DOE

Solicitation: DE-FOA-0003390

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360862

Posted Date: November 14, 2025

Submission Deadline: December 15, 2025  5:00 PM ET

 

The objective of NOFO-0003390 is to establish mining technology proving grounds that accelerate novel technology development for the U.S. mining sector. These competitive awards would invest in the infrastructure and technologies to transform mining practices and speed the development of secure and resilient domestic CMM supply networks of the future.

This NOFO will enable real-world testing and optimization of the next generation of mining technologies to be deployed at mine sites across the U.S. while offering a training ground for dissemination of skills, technology, practices, and expertise. These proving grounds will be a national resource accessible to all DOE Offices, industry, academia, and other research partners to advance innovation, testing, and workforce development in responsible mining.

Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education

Dept of Ed

Solicitation: ED-GRANTS-111225-001

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851

Posted Date: November 12, 2025

Proposal Due Date: December 03, 2025

Purpose of Program: The FIPSE Special Projects Program provides grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs), combinations of such institutions, and other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies, as the Secretary deems necessary, to support innovative projects concerning one or more areas of national need identified by the Secretary. This competition focuses on supporting four areas of national need—(1) advancing the understanding of and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in postsecondary education, (2) promoting civil discourse on college and university campuses, (3) promoting accreditation reform, and (4) supporting capacity-building for high-quality short-term programs.

In order to support these four crucial needs, this competition includes seven absolute priorities under which applicants can apply: two priorities dedicated to advancing the understanding and use of AI in postsecondary education (Absolute Priorities 1 and 2), one priority dedicated to promoting civil discourse on college and university campuses (Absolute Priority 3), two priorities within promoting accreditation reform (Absolute Priorities 4 and 5), and two priorities for capacity-building for high-quality short-term programs (Absolute Priorities 6 and 7). The Department intends to award $50 million to advance AI in Education, $60 million to promote civil discourse on college and university campuses, $7 million to support accreditation reform, and $50 million for high-quality short-term programs. The Department may adjust these estimates based on interest and quality of applications.

Digitally Enabled Advanced Assembly Bench

MxD

Solicitation: 24-12-07

https://members.mxdusa.org/topics/46665/page/home

Posted Date: November 05, 2025

Proposal Due Date: December 15, 2025 by 5:00 pm CT

The Digitally Enabled Advanced Assembly Bench (DEAAB) project aims to design, fabricate, and demonstrate a smart, on-premise, data-driven assembly workstation that integrates advanced digital manufacturing technologies for a representative electromechanical assembly environment.

The DEEAB will serve as a demonstrator, illustrating how digital manufacturing principles – integrating smart tools, intelligent storage, process sensors, and SCADA-like local software – can be applied to produce a modern assembly workstation. The demonstrator will operate entirely on-premise without external network or internet dependence, ensuring local data control, security, and sustainability.

NRC Research Associateship Programs -Air Force Science and Technology Fellowship Program

NRC

https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/air-force-science-and-technology-fellowship-program/for-applicants

Posted Date: November 10, 2025

Dates: On a Rolling Basis

December 01,  through February 01

March 01 through May 01

June 01 through August 01

September 01 through November 01

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Fellowships Office has conducted the NRC Research Associateship Programs in cooperation with sponsoring federal laboratories and other research organizations since 1954. NRC Research Associateships are awarded to exceptionally talented postdoctoral and senior scientists and engineers through a rigorous selection process. These selected individuals are granted tenure as guest researchers at participating laboratories, highlighting their outstanding contributions and potential in their respective fields.

The NRC Research Associateship Programs aim to:

  • Offer uniquely promising postdoctoral and senior scientists/engineers the chance to pursue self-directed research that aligns with the goals of the sponsoring laboratories.
  • Enhance the comprehensive research efforts of these laboratories.
  • Provide recent doctoral graduates with a platform to conduct focused research in collaboration with select members of the permanent professional laboratory staff.
  • Foster the professional growth of Associates by providing opportunities to gain skills, experience, and connections through collaboration with leading scientists, enhancing their future career prospects in academia, industry, or government research roles.

NRC Research Associateship Programs Webinar

NRC

https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/rap/nrc-research-associateship-programs

Posted Date: November 10, 2025

Webinar Date: November 18, 2025    Register Here

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine maintain a database of more than a thousand active research opportunities and administer postdoctoral and senior research awards at participating federal laboratories and affiliated institutions at locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

This session offers a detailed overview of eligibility requirements and award benefits for the NRC Research Associateship Programs (NRC RAP) and Air Force Science & Technology Fellowship Program (AF STFP). We’ll cover who is eligible to apply, including citizenship and degree requirements, and the types of research supported. We’ll also take a closer look at the benefits and award details to help you prepare a strong, informed application. Bring your questions—there will be time for Q&A at the end!

Leah Probst, Program Officer, Office of Fellowships, National Academies of Science, Engineering, & Medicine Melanie Suydam, Senior Program Officer, Office of Fellowships, National Academies of Science, Engineering, & Medicine Enita Williams, Director, Program Security, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, & Medicine

Supplemental Funding for Technology Demonstration, Verification, and Validation (DV&V) Projects to Sustain U.S. Manufacturing

Remade

Solicitation: REMADE-25-02

RFP 25-02

Posted Date: October 28, 2025

Concept Paper Due Date: December 10, 2025

Proposal Due Date: January 06, 2026

This RFP solicits proposals for supplemental funding for Technology Demonstration, Verification, and Validation2 (DV&V) Projects. These projects will be expected to demonstrate that the technology solution meets the performance levels the supply chain requires and the economic targets the marketplace will accept. The proposed technologies must be consistent with the REMADE Institute’s goals on the last page. To ensure proposals deliver solutions that will motivate subsequent industry investments, they must be consistent with the requirements of this RFP, align with the research agenda in the REMADE Institute Technology Roadmap, and complement the current R&D portfolio.

Magnetic property testing of synthesized solid materials

Halo / BASF

https://www.halo.science/request_for_solutions/measuring-magnetic-properties-of-catalyst-particles

Posted Date: November 03, 2025

Proposal Due Date: January 09, 2026

We are looking for a partner that has capabilities to determine the strength of the ferromagnetic properties of synthesized solid samples. This requires an existing setup capable of inducing a magnetic field and measuring the additional downward force exerted by the solids in response to that field. Due to the practical considerations of sample shipping and handling, preference will be given to partners based in the United States.

Our must-have requirements are:
  • Existing setup capable of generating a stable magnetic field of roughly 500 gauss using a Helmholtz, Merritt 3, or Ruben 5 coil (or equivalent)
  • Sample container connected to a scale to measure the forces induced on the particles with and without the applied magnetic field
  • Compatible with solid samples <100 g

Proprietary Education and Workforce Development Solicitation

Smart USA

Solicitation: P03-W25

www.smartusatwins.org/research/

Posted Date: October 29, 2025

Informational Webinar: November 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm ET  REGISTER HERE

Proposal Due Date: April 28, 2026 by 11:59 pm ET

SMART USA aims to address critical gaps in semiconductor manufacturing through the development of scalable digital twin technologies. Specific gaps identified for this call are identified in section 1.4. This program seeks to fund innovative projects that advance digital twin capabilities and their applications to optimize semiconductor design, manufacturing, packaging, assembly, and testing processes. Through collaborative research, SMART USA strives to enhance U.S. semiconductor manufacturing competitiveness, reduce costs, improve yields, and develop a skilled workforce that can leverage these transformative technologies.

 

Research Gaps to Achieve Digital Twin Innovation

Smart USA

Solicitation: P02-T25

www.smartusatwins.org/research/

Posted Date: October 29, 2025

Informational Webinar: November 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm ET  REGISTER HERE

Proposal Due Date: April 28, 2026 by 11:59 pm ET

SMART USA aims to address critical gaps in semiconductor manufacturing through the development of scalable digital twin technologies. Specific gaps identified for this call are identified in section 1.1. This program seeks to fund innovative projects that advance digital twin capabilities and their applications to optimize semiconductor design, manufacturing, packaging, assembly, and testing processes. Through collaborative research, SMART USA strives to enhance U.S. semiconductor manufacturing competitiveness, reduce costs, improve yields, and develop a skilled workforce that can leverage these transformative technologies.

 

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