NSF 26-507: Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks to Develop Emergent and Responsive Solutions Foundry (NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY)
| To: | Associate Deans for Research; College/School Research Administrators |
| From: | Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research |
| Date: | March 27, 2026 |
| Subject: | NSF 26-507: Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks to Develop Emergent and Responsive Solutions Foundry (NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY) |
Deadline
| Deadline for Internal Review: | April 20, 2026 |
Project Description
The NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program supports collaboration among K-12 educators, technologists, parents or guardians, and researchers, to develop innovative solutions to persistent challenges in learning and workforce development. These challenges are identified by K-12 students, families, and educators. The program aims to create and scale evidence-based practices, tools, and technologies that improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a digital, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future.
A key focus is early exposure to AI to build curiosity, understanding, and readiness for future careers. The program encourages partnerships to co-design responsive, technology-based solutions between key sectors – schools, universities, industry, government, and nonprofits – and our nation’s families.
NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program includes two phases: Planning and Development. Planning proposals help teams explore one of several focus areas. Only teams awarded Planning grants may submit Development proposals, which support the growth and implementation of promising ideas. This internal competition is for Planning proposals only.
The program aligns with national priorities, including the Executive Order 14277, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth” (April 23, 2025), and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, Public Law 117-167, Sections 10381-10383 and 10395.
Amount per Award: $50,000
Duration of Award: 2 months
Estimated Number of Awards: 50
Eligibility
Each NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY leadership team must have at least one member from each of four stakeholder groups: (1) K-12 educators, (2) technologists, (3) researchers, and (4) parents or guardians. One of these individuals must act as the Principal Investigator (PI) through an eligible organization. Co-PIs and additional Senior Personnel, (sub)contractors, consultants, etc., are also allowed.
UW-Madison may submit only one Planing proposal.
Website
The following link contains additional information on the program and specific application instructions:
https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/nsf-finders-foundry-national-science-foundation-fostering-interdisciplinary/nsf26-507/solicitation
Internal Competition Application Instructions
Applications for Internal Review
To submit your application, attach a single PDF to an email to grants@research.wisc.edu.
Please include the following:
- Cover page including the project title, and name and department of PI and Co-PIs
- PI CV or NSF Biosketch
- Project summary of no more than three pages that describes how the proposed project meets the goals of the solicitation, and includes the following:
- The track from the NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY Dashboard that the proposed project addresses, and a description of the potential outcome(s) of the proposed solution including the areas of application that are the initial target of the technology.
- A summary of the Leadership Team Composition and the role they will play on the project.
Sponsor Deadlines
Applications are due to National Science Foundation by May 27, 2026.
Questions?
Contact grants@research.wisc.edu.