The U.S. National Science Foundation is accepting the Development phase of NSF 26-507, National Science Foundation Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks to Develop Emergent and Responsive Solutions Foundry (NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY). The program supports interdisciplinary teams developing technology-based solutions to persistent K-12 learning and workforce-development challenges, with particular interest in meaningful uses of artificial intelligence.
Current Development phase
The current deadline is November 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM in the submitting organization’s local time. Only teams that received a FINDERS FOUNDRY Planning award may submit a Development proposal. Receipt of a Planning award does not guarantee a Development award, and the Development proposal should be submitted by the Planning award PI or another member of that Planning leadership team.
Funding
NSF anticipates approximately 20 Development awards of up to $300,000 each for one year. The overall solicitation anticipates $8.5 million across the Planning and Development phases. Voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.
Eligible lead organizations
Eligible proposing organizations include accredited U.S. two-year and four-year institutions of higher education, qualifying U.S. nonprofit nonacademic research or education organizations, state and local governments, and federally recognized Tribal Nations. For-profit companies are not listed as eligible lead applicants. Each Development team must continue the required interdisciplinary structure that includes K-12 educator, technologist, researcher, and parent or guardian participation.
Development requirements
Development projects focus on building and refining prototypes or minimum viable products for K-12 learning innovation. Proposals must address one FINDERS FOUNDRY challenge track, include continuous participation by K-12 students and other required stakeholders, define measurable learning outcomes and success indicators, describe prototype and MVP testing milestones, and include a collaboration plan. Human-subjects projects require appropriate IRB approval, exemption, or just-in-time documentation before an award can be made.
Submission
Full proposals may be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov and must follow NSF 26-507 and the applicable NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. Because the current Development phase is limited to prior Planning awardees, prospective partners should first verify that the lead team holds a qualifying FINDERS FOUNDRY Planning award before investing in proposal work.