Fall 2026 quarterly update — full detail available in the member area
UEDA has pulled together the federal funding landscape our members are navigating: what’s open, what’s about to open, and what’s shifted in how agencies are running their competitions. The fall recap is live now, organized by date and tagged to the network each opportunity supports: Talent, Innovation, or Place.
One Deadline Worth Your Attention Before November
The most consequential item on this quarter’s list is NSF’s new State and Regional AI Infrastructure Hubs competition, closing November 4. With roughly $100 million available and about ten awards expected, it’s the strongest current fit for university-led, place-based work. However, NSF will make only one award per state or multi-state region, which means the competitive question gets decided inside each state before a proposal ever reaches Washington. If your institution isn’t already part of a state consortium conversation, this cycle may not be a fit. The full recap breaks down what a responsive proposal needs to address and who to contact.
What’s Coming This Fall
Several notices haven’t posted yet but are worth starting groundwork on now. EDA’s Build to Scale program has historically opened in late summer with a fall deadline, and continuation funding looks likely at 2024 levels. A new round of Tech Hubs implementation awards is expected on the back of a recent FCC spectrum auction, though it’s not yet clear whether it will open the door to new hub designations or stay limited to hubs that haven’t yet received implementation funding. NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines program looks due for a third development-award competition, and the Department of Labor’s Strengthening Community Colleges grant is expected to open its next round in early 2027.
We’re also tracking a shift in how federal agencies operate that affects anyone planning around posted deadlines: NSF has been replacing hard deadlines with rolling “anytime” submission windows across a growing share of its programs, and this year’s Tech Hubs cycle was a reminder that even announced awards can be rescinded and re-competed.
Celebrating Wins
Since May 1, federal agencies have recognized eighteen university-led economic development efforts: twelve new NSF Regional Innovation Engines and six EDA Tech Hubs implementation awards totaling $169 million. It’s a strong quarter for the university-led model UEDA members are building, and we’re glad to spotlight it.
Read the full recap
The complete version of funding is available now in the member area.
Log in to read the full recap →
Not a UEDA member? Learn about membership →