NSF seeks input to inform key technology focus areas for the NSF Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Directorate
The U.S. National Science Foundation recently published a request for information (RFI) to gather input from the public on key technology focus areas to be advanced by the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships.
NSF seeks feedback from individuals and organizations across all sectors on how the directorate's current list of key technology areas, mandated by Congress, should be updated or refined to ensure the list reflects the technologies critical to U.S. technological competitiveness in an evolving global context. The information received will be used to inform NSF's annual assessment and potential update of the key technology focus areas, as directed by Congress in Public Law 117-167.
Responses will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, July 21, 2025, through the RFI submission form or at KTA_RFI@nsf.gov. Respondents can choose to provide feedback on one or more questions specified in the RFI of interest or relevance to them. Each question is voluntary and optional.
See full details in the Federal Register notice.
NSF's current key technology focus areas, as mandated by Congress in Public Law 117-167:
- Artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomy and related advances.
- High-performance computing, semiconductors and advanced computer hardware and software.
- Quantum information science and technology.
- Robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing.
- Natural and anthropogenic disaster prevention or mitigation.
- Advanced communications technology and immersive technology.
- Biotechnology, medical technology, genomics and synthetic biology.
- Data storage, data management, distributed ledger technologies and cybersecurity, including biometrics.
- Advanced energy and industrial efficiency technologies, such as batteries and advanced nuclear technologies, including but not limited to those for electric generation.
- Advanced materials science, including composites, 2D materials, other next-generation materials and related manufacturing technologies.
ABOUT NSF TIP
The NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) seeks to engage all Americans in accelerating critical and emerging technologies to advance U.S. competitiveness. The directorate partners across sectors to advance three primary focus areas – accelerating technology translation and development, fostering regional innovation and economic growth and preparing the American workforce for better-quality, higher-wage jobs. For more information about NSF TIP, visit nsf.gov/tip/latest.