The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Future Manufacturing (FM) program aims to advance fundamental research, education, and workforce development in new manufacturing methodologies that extend beyond existing technological capacities. Designed to stimulate U.S. leadership in innovative manufacturing practices, the program funds projects that address scientific, technological, and social barriers to create transformative manufacturing capabilities. Specifically, the FM program seeks novel approaches that will establish new industrial applications, address environmental sustainability, and enhance health, security, and economic stability. Proposals that focus on incremental improvements to current manufacturing methods will not be considered competitive. Instead, the program encourages proposals that tackle urgent societal challenges, such as climate change and resource limitations, through eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing practices.

The FM program supports projects in three main thrust areas: Future Cyber Manufacturing, Future Eco Manufacturing, and Future Biomanufacturing. Future Cyber Manufacturing emphasizes integrating advanced computing and data systems into manufacturing, including quantum and AI-enhanced tools for precision and adaptability. Future Eco Manufacturing focuses on lifecycle management for manufactured goods to reduce waste, carbon footprint, and environmental degradation. Future Biomanufacturing supports research into biologically based manufacturing methods for products like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and bio-based electronics. Applicants are encouraged to use cross-disciplinary approaches, assembling teams with expertise across engineering, science, and education.

The program offers two types of grants: Future Manufacturing Research Grants (FMRG) and Future Manufacturing Seed Grants (FMSG). FMRGs fund larger, comprehensive projects with awards of up to $3 million for a four-year period, supporting substantial research teams and initiatives. FMSGs offer up to $500,000 over two years to help develop initial research and create groundwork for future FMRG applications. FMSGs are intended to stimulate new collaborations, pilot studies, or educational activities that could evolve into larger projects. Proposals with an optional Future of Work component may explore the human impact of advanced manufacturing technologies, including social and cognitive aspects of workforce engagement.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based higher education institutions, non-profits, state and local governments, federally recognized tribal nations, and for-profit organizations with demonstrated research capacity. Collaboration across minority-serving institutions, community colleges, and institutions from EPSCoR states is highly encouraged to foster diverse participation. Projects must be submitted by a lead institution, with any collaborating entities listed as subawards, adhering to NSF's standard proposal guidelines. Key deadlines are April 11, 2024, and January 13, 2025, for full proposals.

Proposal evaluation will follow NSF’s merit review criteria, including Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, as well as additional FM-specific criteria. Reviewers will assess the potential of projects to eliminate current limitations in manufacturing and to catalyze groundbreaking new capabilities. The NSF encourages proposals that clearly articulate a plan for the integration of educational and workforce development activities to train the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Successful projects are expected to describe the global context of their research and its potential impact on economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being.

Selected projects will attend a mandatory kickoff meeting and annual grantee conferences to foster collaboration and share insights. Reporting requirements include annual updates and a final project outcomes report, which will be publicly accessible. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend informational webinars on February 2, 2024, and November 15, 2024, and consult with program officers listed on the NSF FM program website for guidance.