NSF invests in foundational research on wave-based computing

The U.S. National Science Foundation will invest up to $30 million in 2027-2028 to advance future computing by harnessing principles of wave dynamics. Wave-based computing has the potential to enhance both computational power and energy efficiency, thereby substantially improving information and signal processing.

NSF will fund the research through a combination of two-year exploratory research awards and four-year multidisciplinary research awards through the NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (NSF EFRI) program. NSF EFRI, a program in the NSF Directorate for Engineering (NSF ENG), supports potentially transformative research to address the nation's strategic technological priorities.

The funding opportunity will support research on foundational physical principles, information processing and proof-of-concept test beds for wave-based computing that could lead to engineering breakthroughs and new frontiers of knowledge. Research projects are expected to explore a variety of wave types, media, and platforms and could include photonic, acoustic and quantum devices.

NSF investments in foundational research drive technological innovation across industries, strengthening U.S. economic competitiveness, enhancing national security and improving quality of life for all Americans.

"This NSF investment will help realize wave-based computing and its seamless integration with traditional digital computing," said Don Millard, head of NSF ENG, "which would have major impacts on artificial intelligence, communications and high-performance computing."

The ENG-funded Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA) identified key engineering research opportunities and challenges for wave-based computing in a brief report released earlier in 2026.

The EFRI Wave-Based Computing investment is planned for Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028. Concept outlines for FY 2027, which are required, are due Nov. 19, 2026. A webinar for prospective principal investigators will be held in October 2026.

ENG is leading the EFRI Wave-Based Computing investment in collaboration with the NSF directorates for Mathematical and Physical Sciences and for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships.

Learn more about the NSF EFRI program solicitation for FY 2027 and 2028.

Read the ERVA Wave-Based Computing: Key Engineering Bottlenecks report.