RFI Opportunity: NSF TIP Directorate Technology Areas, Due 7/21

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking public input into its current list of “key technology focus areas” to guide the work of the Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate. Comments are due by July 21, 2025.

The TIP Directorate was created in 2022 to support “use-inspired” research with the goal of “fostering innovation and technology ecosystems, establishing translation pathways, and partnering across sectors to engage the nation’s diverse talent.” Included in its authorizing legislation was a list of ten initial key technology focus areas, set by Congress, that the Directorate was tasked to address in its first three years. These included: artificial intelligence and machine learning; 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; advanced energy and industrial efficiency technologies; and advanced materials science.

The new RFI seeks responses to several questions related to the original ten focus areas. For example, one question asks respondents to identify the three most important technology areas for addressing: “geopolitical technology competition; potential to power significant economic growth; ability to advance national security capabilities; likelihood to experience significant talent gaps or workforce availability risks; and the need for use-inspired and translational research to mature the technology.”