The National Science Foundation's (NSF) **Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems (POSE)** program focuses on fostering the creation and sustainability of open-source ecosystems (OSEs) from existing research artifacts. The program supports activities that transition open-source products into self-sustaining, community-driven ecosystems that address significant societal or national challenges. POSE funding is structured into two phases: Phase I emphasizes planning and scoping, while Phase II focuses on establishing and expanding OSEs. Both phases prioritize projects that demonstrate significant potential for societal or national impact and include clear plans for governance, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.

The POSE program specifically excludes the development of new open-source products and does not fund existing well-resourced OSEs. Instead, it seeks to assist projects with established open-source products that require structured support to form sustainable ecosystems. Eligible projects must demonstrate user demand, potential for broad adoption, and a robust community of contributors. POSE is distinct from other NSF programs like SBIR/STTR and I-Corps by its focus on transitioning open-source research outputs to operational ecosystems rather than commercialization.

Phase I awards are limited to $300,000 for up to one year and aim to support scoping activities such as evaluating ecosystem viability, identifying governance structures, and engaging potential contributors and users. Phase II awards offer up to $1.5 million for up to two years and require a more developed plan, including risk management, licensing strategies, and actionable metrics for sustainability. Approximately 20 Phase I awards and 10 Phase II awards are expected annually, with an estimated total funding of $27.8 million.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based higher education institutions, non-profits, for-profits, tribal governments, and state or local governments. Proposals must meet specific NSF criteria, including alignment with the Foundation’s broader goals of fostering equity and inclusion in STEM. Teams must include at least three members for mandatory training on ecosystem governance and community building, which involves substantial commitment from both internal and external participants.

Applications must adhere to NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide, include a risk analysis and security plan, and detail a community outreach strategy. Letters of collaboration from at least three external users or contributors are required. Proposals must also address intellectual merit and broader societal impacts, with reviewers evaluating the project’s potential to foster sustainable innovation and inclusivity.

Deadlines for Phase I proposals occur annually on the second Tuesday in January, with Phase II deadlines on the first Tuesday in September. Applications can be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov, and NSF strongly advises starting submissions well before the deadline to allow time for error correction. Further details, including templates and submission instructions, are available on the NSF program page or by contacting program officers listed in the solicitation.