NSF Advanced Wireless Research

NSF Advanced Wireless Research is a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that funds foundational and applied research across wireless communications disciplines, including 5G, 6G, Wi-Fi, satellite networks, Internet of Things, distributed machine learning, and mobile edge computing. NSF has supported wireless research for decades, creating the foundation for modern cellular and broadband networks.

The program addresses growing demand for faster, more affordable, and more secure wireless systems. Award amounts vary by program. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and other qualified research entities in the wireless communications field.

Communications and Wireless | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation Communications and Wireless View image credit & caption The U.S. National Science Foundation has invested in foundational research on wireless technologies for decades, laying the groundwork for cellular, Wi-Fi and satellite networks and the Internet of Things.

Wireless communication networks are an essential service of modern society, connecting billions of people and supporting critical services, including education, transportation and public health.

As demand for faster, more affordable, and more secure wireless communication grows, NSF-supported research will offer new insights critical for future technologies — like distributed machine learning, mobile edge computing, and 6G (and beyond) cellular networks. Find funding in communications and wireless NSF's decades of sustained investments have ensured the continual progress of advanced communications and wireless research.

Pioneering work supported by NSF includes: Drawing on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's pioneering support for early computer networking projects and the development of internet protocols, NSF funds catalyzed the creation of the commercial internet .

NSF-funded research was essential to the development of optical fibers that underpin today’s global communication systems, from high-speed internet to long-distance network connections. The federal government uses NSF-funded auction-theory research to sell broadcasting licenses to companies for use in areas like television and telecommunications.

We support the fundamental research that enables the design and development of advanced wireless technologies. We support the creation of research testing platforms, in collaboration with industry, to experiment with new advanced wireless technologies. We promote dynamic and agile use of the electromagnetic spectrum, while fostering innovation and security for all users.

Education and workforce development We support the creation of a diverse workforce ready to develop and operate the wireless and spectrum technologies of the future. Partnerships to accelerate progress We partner with other federal agencies, industry and nonprofits to share data, tools, expertise and other resources; strengthen workforce development; and translate research into products and services that benefit society.

Spectrum Innovation Initiative The electromagnetic radio spectrum is finite and must be shared across wireless systems and applications, including mobile connectivity, air traffic control, weather prediction and research. NSF’s Spectrum Innovation Initiative supports research that enables fast, accurate and dynamic coordination and usage of limited spectrum resources.

Learn about the initiative America's Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR) Supports startups and small businesses to translate research into products and services, including wireless technologies , for the public good. Campus Cyberinfrastructure Supports coordinated campus-level networking and cyberinfrastructure improvements for science applications and distributed research projects.

Communications and Information Foundations Supports research on the theoretical underpinnings of information acquisition, transmission and processing in communications and information processing systems.

Communications, Circuits and Sensing-Systems Supports research on circuit and system hardware and signal processing techniques in the following areas: radio-frequency circuits and antennas for communications and sensing; communication systems and signal processing; and dynamic bio-sensing systems.

Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies Supports experiential learning opportunities that provide cohorts of diverse learners with the skills needed to succeed in advanced wireless and other emerging technology fields.

Networking Technology and Systems Supports research on large-scale, complex, heterogeneous communications networks, including research in wired and wireless technologies such as terabit Ethernet, optical, radio and acoustic visible light-based communication, and quantum.

Security, Privacy and Trust in Cyberspace Supports research addressing cybersecurity and privacy, drawing on expertise in computing, communication and information sciences and other fields.

Explore more funding in communications and wireless NSF directorates supporting communications and wireless research Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Biological Sciences (BIO) Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) Integrative Activities (OIA) International Science and Engineering (OISE) NSF in 2025: Keeping U.S. scientific research and innovation on the cutting edge NSF invests in AI-ready test beds to accelerate U.S. leadership NSF announces new NextG wireless funding opportunity Explore communications and wireless news Broadband Wireless Access and Applications Center This NSF-supported industry-university partnership aims to advance wireless technologies for next-generation communications systems.

Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research This program's four city-scale research platforms create an interconnected national network for testing and validating emerging wireless concepts. Resilient & Intelligent NextG Systems This public-private partnership focuses on increasing the competitiveness of the U.S. in NextG networking and computing technologies.

Wireless Spectrum R&D Interagency Working Group Coordinates federal spectrum-related R&D activities to promote efficient use of wireless spectrum through advanced technologies and systems. "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022" The act authorizes NSF to fund use-inspired, solutions-oriented research and innovation in key technology focus areas.