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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.

 

 

INtegrated System for In-situ Testing & Evaluation (INSITE)

America Makes

Project Calls

Posted Date: April 20, 2026

Proposal Due Date: July, 09, 2026

Webinar: May 07, 2026 Register HERE

This funding opportunity supports projects that develop, integrate, and demonstrate a comprehensive quality assurance framework for additive manufacturing by combining in-situ process monitoring, in-situ defect detection, and post-build nondestructive evaluation (NDE). Teams will identify representative materials, processes, part classes, and generate validated data demonstrating the ability to reliably detect, characterize, and disposition defects relevant to structural performance and intended use.
Emphasis is placed on correlating in-situ data with post-build inspection results, reducing reliance on costly and time-intensive traditional NDE methods, and enabling accelerated, risk-informed inspection strategies for complex, large, or difficult-to-inspect components. The end state is a scalable, standards-informed approach that improves inspection efficiency while maintaining or enhancing confidence in part quality, with clear pathways to implementation across the defense industrial base.

 

Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing (CSCS)

NSF

Solicitation: PD 26-7564

https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/cscs-circuits-systems-communications-sensing

Posted Date: April 16, 2026

Proposals Accepted Anytime

The Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing (CSCS) program supports the key role of electrical engineering in future communications, sensing, circuits, and signal processing. The program’s main goal is to advance next-generation systems that integrate communication, sensing, and computation with physical domains, from the nano- to the macro-scale. CSCS covers a wide range of fields and topics, with a focus on both classical and quantum aspects. The program addresses the need for spectrum sharing and resilient connectivity. It also advances national priorities such as quantum engineering, biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI). Ultimately, CSCS aims to create innovative solutions to spur economic growth, improve lives, and address national challenges.​

Biomedical Sensing Systems ​

CSCS supports research on sensing and imaging for health care.​ These technologies can be used to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases. Novel sensing research can advance implantable and wearable biomedical devices. It enables personalized medicine and the management of chronic illness. CSCS also invests in quantum sensors for ultra precise measurement and imaging, which promise breakthroughs in biology and medicine.

Communication Systems

CSCS research in communication systems advances 6G and beyond wireless networks and ultra high-speed internet. Research on terahertz wave and optical wave technologies offers far greater bandwidth and speed.​ Uses range from mobile communication and radar to aerospace and manufacturing. As these systems grow into intelligent ecosystems, smarter connectivity and more secure communication become possible.​ A key new area is secure quantum communication systems. CSCS supports research on quantum repeaters, entanglement distribution, and other quantum-based approaches.

Signal Processing ​

The modern world relies on signal processing. It is used in telecommunications, computational imaging, AI, and biotechnology. Signal processing involves techniques that manipulate, analyze, and optimize signals in communication and sensing systems. Techniques bridge hardware and computational algorithms to efficiently transmit, extract, and interpret data. Quantum signal processing represents a new frontier. It builds on phenomena like superposition, entanglement, and quantization to move beyond classical limits in information handling. Such methods allow signals to be processed in multiple states at once, enabling faster computation and better security. Machine learning can further improve signal processing, enabling new applications in sensing, communications, and circuit design.

Circuits and Antennas 

CSCS advances the design of compact and energy-efficient system components. These components are crucial for many parts of everyday life; they make much of today’s AI, communications, energy, transportation, health care, and robotics possible.​ CSCS aims to achieve new capabilities in circuits and antennas for future communications, sensing, AI, and quantum systems. The program’s research spans analog, mixed-signal, and radio-frequency integrated circuits. It includes heterogeneously integrated semiconductor circuits and systems. It also includes brain-inspired circuits.​ New abilities in antenna systems will improve wireless, satellite, and mobile communications; they will also enhance integrated communications, sensing, and power delivery. ​

Energy, Power, Control, and Learning (EPCL)

NSF

Solicitation: PD 26-7607

https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/epcl-energy-power-control-learning

Posted Date: April 16, 2026

Proposals Accepted Anytime

The Energy, Power, Control, and Learning (EPCL) program invests in fundamental research to advance the capabilities, performance, security and resilience of engineered systems. These advances can benefit the U.S. power grid, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare and other critical infrastructure systems that enable economic growth and prosperity.

EPCL supports research on systems and control, learning, optimization, and networked multi-agent systems. The program addresses a wide variety of systems and decision-making issues; examples include higher-level decision making, dynamic resource allocation, risk management in the presence of uncertainty, sub-system failures, and game theory for system control and learning, as well as stochastic and hybrid systems. EPCL research may also involve advances in artificial intelligence (AI); examples include novel machine learning algorithms, new AI-assisted tools, adaptive programming, and brain-like networked architectures for real-time learning.

The program encourages collaboration among different fields to advance knowledge that will lead to new methods and technologies. While projects focus on fundamental advances in knowledge, they should ideally provide a clear vision of how research can influence real-world applications. These may include energy, transportation, robotics, biomedical devices and systems, or other uses.

EPCL is committed to supporting advances in the theory and technology of electric power systems. Such research can address issues related to generation, transmission, storage, inverter-based energy sources; power electronics and drives; battery management systems; energy harvesting; hybrid and electric vehicles; and the interplay of power system operation with regulatory and economic structures and consumer behavior. The program also supports research that addresses emerging challenges stemming from societal trends in energy production and consumption, such as changes in energy sources for the power grid or growth in data centers.

Electronic, Photonic, Magnetic, and Quantum Devices (EPMQD)

NSF

Solicitation: PD 26-1517

https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/epmqd-electronic-photonic-magnetic-quantum-devices

Posted Date: April 23, 2026

Proposals Accepted Anytime

The Electronic, Photonic, Magnetic, and Quantum Devices (EPMQD) program supports fundamental research on devices with new and/or enhanced capabilities based on their structure and material properties. EPMQD’s goal is to expand the frontiers of micro-, nano- and quantum- devices. Innovations will advance artificial intelligence, computing, communications, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and other domains. The program encourages research based on emerging ideas for miniaturization, integration, and energy efficiency.

Electronic devices

The EPMQD program supports research on semiconductor and other electronic devices. These include transistors; photodiodes; power generation devices; power switching devices; light-emitting devices; display devices; physical and chemical sensing devices; actuators; and multifunctional devices. Proposals should emphasize aspects such as design, theory, simulation and modeling, fabrication, and scaling. Proposals may use  machine learning to advance the research. Devices of interest include those comprised of crystalline, thin-film, amorphous, and organic/hybrid/perovskite semiconductors.

Photonic devices

The EPMQD program supports research in light–matter interactions; it also supports research on the principles, materials, devices, and architectures that enable photonic and optically mediated technologies. The program emphasizes discovery and understanding of underlying physical mechanisms—spanning classical, optical, and quantum regimes—and translates that into novel devices, components, sensors, and systems. Areas of interest include photonics; plasmonics; polaritonics; nonlinear and ultrafast optics; nanophotonics; and photon–phonon interactions, as well as new capabilities in imaging, sensing, computing, and communications.

Magnetic and/or highly-correlated devices

The EPMQD program funds research on novel devices, components, and systems that use magnetic, superconducting, topological, and other highly-correlated materials. These can be new devices to push traditional limits, enabling high-speed, low-power computing, sensing and communication operations, and secure quantum communication.

Quantum devices

The EPMQD program advances next-generation quantum technologies with electronic, photonic, and magnetic devices. It prioritizes reliable, scalable, and integrated systems that offer robust performance, ease of manufacturing, and interoperability. The program aims to create quantum devices and platforms that operate in real-world environments.

Improving maintenance and uptime of agricultural machinery fleets

Halo / Bayer Corp.

https://www.halo.science/request_for_solutions/maintenance-and-repair-of-agricultural-machinery-fleets

Posted Date: April 24, 2026

Proposal Due Date: June 12, 2026

We are looking for ways to improve the use, maintenance, and uptime of agricultural machinery fleets, particularly in the context of managing diverse, multibrand equipment and accessing reliable technical support. The ideal partner would enable reliable, multibrand technical support, including repair, preventive or predictive maintenance, and guidance on proper equipment use. While partners offering an end-to-end solution would be ideal, we welcome technologies addressing specific components of the challenge that can be combined into a broader approach. We are seeking partners based in Brazil or willing to establish operations locally. Bayer is open to collaborating closely, including supporting business model development, connecting with manufacturers, and piloting solutions in real-world conditions.

Solutions of interest include:
  • Multibrand repair and field service with defined service levels (SLAs)
  • Preventive and predictive maintenance tools for mixed fleets
  • Digital tools for maintenance planning, tracking, and alerts
  • Remote diagnostics for mechanical, electronic, or software issues
  • Training solutions for proper equipment use and upkeep
  • Fleet management software for equipment use and location
  • Technician dispatch and repair coordination platforms
  • Equipment rental or managed fleet models
  • Repair referral or assistance network models

Biomanufacturing of transformational ingredients in consumer-packaged goods

Halo / P & G

https://www.halo.science/request_for_solutions/biomanufacturing-of-ingredients

Posted Date: April 27, 2026

Proposal Due Date: June 26, 2026

We are looking for approaches to engineer and optimize organisms (microbial and plant) for production and/or purification of relevant biomolecules in a non-trial-and-error format. It is believed that starting from a waste stream will be a more cost-effective solution. We are also interested in plant- or algae-based solutions that are scalable and cost effective.

Solutions of interest include:
  • Downstream processing methods/technologies that facilitate continuous extraction and/or re-use of extractive reagents
  • Approaches that leverage feedstocks separate from the food chain
  • Strain engineering approaches that achieve target molecule production targets across multiple molecule classes in significantly less time versus the industry average
  • Host engineering capabilities in non-model systems
  • Scale up platforms/methods that are amenable to commodity scale ingredients

Chemical Process Systems

NSF

Solicitation: PD 26-367Y

https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/chemical-process-systems

Posted Date: April 24, 2026

Proposals Accepted Anytime

Society relies on chemical processes to turn raw materials into useful products. The Chemical Process Systems (CPS) program invests in fundamental research on chemical and biochemical processes to make them more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. New CPS technologies for manufacturing, biotechnology, critical minerals, energy, food, and other national priorities will help make the U.S. more competitive and secure.

Research supported by the CPS program covers the full breadth of chemical and biochemical process innovation. It spans reaction engineering and molecular thermodynamics; reactor design; catalysis; electrochemical systems; separations; and process design. The program encourages proposals that connect the molecular scale to process and plant scales.

The CPS program explores active-site structure and function, reaction mechanisms, in situ and operando characterization, durability, and device-level integration. Microreactors, membrane and catalytic reactors, atmospheric plasmas, and other novel configurations are of interest.

The program supports research in catalysis and electrochemical systems to produce, use, and store energy, to reduce waste, to process polymers, and to synthesize fuels and chemicals. This includes process and materials innovation to support the nuclear fuel cycle.

The CPS program also targets chemical and biological separations that are efficient and scalable. Research includes the design of membranes, sorbents, and specialized interfaces. Advances can be used in gas separations, the recovery of critical minerals, bioprocessing, and protein and water purification.

The program supports research in process design and optimization that uses tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and uncertainty quantification. CPS research also explores quantum information science and engineering; quantum simulation and sensing, for example, may accelerate the discovery of materials and improve process models.

 

Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems

NSF

Solicitation: PD 26-369Y

https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/engineering-biological-biomedical-systems

Posted Date: April 24, 2026

Proposals Accepted Anytime

The Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems (EBBS) program expands our understanding of biological and physiological systems, and it helps improve human health. For U.S. leadership in biotechnology, the engineering of biology is required at every scale. Engineering is needed for sensing biomarkers to making proteins to restoring functions of the body. In EBBS, fundamental mechanistic insights are combined with experimental and computational techniques. This approach helps develop platforms, devices, organisms, tissues, and processes that bring new understanding and control of biological functions.

EBBS supports studies of mechanisms that drive the behavior of microbial populations and cells, and of therapeutic cells and tissues. This includes discovering the underlying engineering principles that are needed to capture the responses of biological systems and bioreactors. It also includes the creation of novel biosensing platforms and new optical imaging and modulation strategies. Research that enables the design of biological systems to sense and respond to novel stimuli is welcome. Similarly, projects leading to insight into tissue changes or injury, and to systems that imitate or restore the functions of tissues or organs are encouraged.

Projects that advance rehabilitation engineering through new theories and approaches are supported by the EBBS program. Fundamental engineering research driven by the needs of persons with disabilities is encouraged.

The EBBS program expands what is possible in biomanufacturing; research may advance biotechnology and/or health. EBBS research must enable improved biological processes, create novel biomedical technologies, or achieve new understanding of physiological or pathological processes.

EBBS does not support proposals with a main goal of drug design, drug delivery, or the development of animal models of disease. Using existing models for experimental testing and validation is acceptable. Projects that focus on testing and validating therapies are not supported. Clinical trials are not supported. Limited studies involving human volunteers may be supported if appropriate to the project objectives. Projects focused on commercialization are more appropriate for the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP).

Transport Phenomena

NSF

Solicitation: PD 26-366Y

https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/transport-phenomena

Posted Date: April 24, 2026

Proposals Accepted Anytime

The Transport Phenomena (TP) program supports fundamental research to understand, model, and control the transport of mass, momentum, energy, and species across multiple scales. Innovative TP research supports advances in artificial intelligence; manufacturing; biotechnology; microelectronics; energy generation, extraction, and utilization; nuclear energy; quantum science and engineering; and other national priorities.

TP projects involve experiments, theory, and/or computational modeling. They aim to improve understanding and to create novel analytical techniques. While projects focus on fundamental principles, they also have a clear vision of how research outcomes will benefit applications in engineering.

TP supports research on the dynamics of single- and multiphase systems. Special interests include flow separation, transition to turbulence, drag reduction, cavitation, instabilities, and reactive flows. The program encourages research on the connection between dynamics at the microscale and material and flow properties at the macroscale. Fluids of interest include liquids, gases, suspensions, emulsions, granular materials, active fluids, biological fluids, colloids, aerosols, bubbles and drops, and fluids with surfactants.

TP supports research on physicochemical phenomena at the interfaces between fluids and between fluids and solids. These phenomena include adsorption and desorption of nanoparticles and surfactants; bulk and interfacial rheology; wetting and capillarity phenomena; electrokinetics; flow in porous media; and directed and self-assembly of particles.

TP supports research on thermodynamics and thermal transport involving conduction, diffusion, convection, phase transition, and radiation. Research may be across scales, in complex structures and at interfaces, in microelectronic devices, and in biological systems. Projects involving phonon transport and quantum thermal phenomena are welcome.

TP encourages proposals focused on combustion of gas, liquid and solid fuels. Combustion topics of interest include chemical kinetic modeling, turbulence-chemistry interactions, detonations, plasma assisted reacting flows, sustainable fuels, mechanisms for pollutant control, and in-situ diagnostic methods. The program also supports research on wildland fire behavior that aims to prevent wildfire spread, inhibit its growth, and/or predict and mitigate fires at the wildland-urban interface.

Engineering Environmental Resiliency (EER)

NSF

Solicitation Number: PD-26-370Y

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362064

Posted Date: April 24, 2026

Due Date: Proposals accepted anytime

 

The Engineering Environmental Resiliency (EER) program supports fundamental research to advance resource and energy conservation and recovery, and to safeguard the natural environment and human health. Better use of domestic resources will help make U.S. manufacturing and energy systems more resilient and secure. EER projects advance artificial intelligence; biotechnology; quantum science and engineering; nanoengineering; microelectronics; and other national priorities. EER supports research that transforms biotechnology and manufacturing to create domestic sources of energy; engineered chemical, biological, and/or geo-physical processes may be involved. The program supports studies on the sustainability of benign manufacturing. EER supports the development of innovative technologies that minimize or re-use waste discharges to soil, water, and air by closing resource loops. EER also supports research on sustainable recycling and management of waste materials and critical minerals. EER supports studies on life cycle assessment, materials flow analysis, and AI modeling to advance the circular economy. EER research encompasses the chemistry, biochemistry, transport, and fate of nutrients and contaminants of emerging concern in air, water, soil, and sediments. It also includes the biochemical reactivity of pollutants in the built environment. EER welcomes ideas that grow fundamental and quantitative understanding of how nanomaterials and nanosystems interact with biological and environmental media. The program also supports research on engineered systems that safeguard health and quality of life through the accurate detection of and rapid response to pathogens and toxins in water, soil and air. Proposals with a main goal of understanding earth systems are more appropriate for the NSF Directorate for Geosciences. Proposals that focus on human behavior or social responses to environmental issues are a better fit for the NSF Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences.   Partnerships: To speed discovery and innovation, NSF partners with federal agencies, industry, international groups, and others. Current opportunities are at NSF ENG Partnerships.

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