Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 INnovations in Qubit Science for Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing (INQS) Program

Background
The INQS program is a collaboration between the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS). The program aims to seek revolutionary qubit approaches to quantum computation that can significantly advance scalable fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) beyond current state-of-the-art methods. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites proposals for basic research into solid-state qubits for quantum computing at various stages of maturity, focusing on their potential functions in FTQC systems.

Grant Details
Proposals must address: (1) the function(s) the qubit is expected to serve, (2) how it can be integrated into a plausible FTQC system, and (3) its potential to advance toward qubits suitable for FTQC. The program supports two themes:

- Theme 1 - New Qubits: explores novel or underdeveloped qubits with credible research paths toward utility in FTQC systems.
- Theme 2 - Renew Qubits: focuses on unconventional approaches to enhance specific qubit functions in state-of-the-art quantum processors.

Proposals must include a data management plan detailing how samples and data will be stored and managed.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include qualified and responsible U.S. and foreign educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and industry entities. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), and Tribal Colleges are encouraged to apply. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), individual persons, and federal agencies are not eligible to submit proposals as primary award recipients.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for awards may range from two (2) to five (5) years.

Grant Value
AFOSR anticipates making at least eight awards ranging from approximately $150,000 to $750,000 per year per award. The total expected value of each award is anticipated to be between $300,000 and $3,750,000 over the duration of the grant.