Microelectronics Commons Call for Topics Will Steer Future DoD Initiatives

June 25, 2024 – The Microelectronics Commons Call for Topics (CFT) is now open for submissions through the eight Microelectronics Commons Hubs.

The Call for Topics is an opportunity issued by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, through the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division and NSTXL, intended to garner input from the eight Microelectronics Commons Hubs and their network of expertise on technical ideas that may be considered as potential project topics. These topics will guide the next round of project proposal activity across six technical areas that are critical to the DoD: 5G/6G, AI Hardware, Commercial Leap-Ahead Technologies, Electromagnetic Warfare, Secure Edge/IoT Computing and Quantum Technology.

The CFT will solicit innovative ideas for lab-to-fab prototyping initiatives in the six Commons technical areas, informing the innovation baseline of the next series of technologies in the prototyping pipeline.

“The CFT is a unique opportunity for DoD to essentially crowd-source ideas, not just for Commons but also to inform other USG initiatives or road mapping efforts,” said Stephanie Lin, the NSTXL Director for Microelectronics Commons. “It’s an opportunity for non-traditional defense entities and startups to be heard.”

CFT submissions will only be accepted from the eight Commons Hubs. To get involved and submit a topic, connect with a Commons Hub via www.microelectronicscommons.org.

About Microelectronics Commons

The Microelectronics Commons program was awarded in 2023 after Congress passed the CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen American manufacturing, supply chains, and national security. By investing in this network of 8 regional prototyping Hubs with a focus in 6 main technology areas – 5G/6G, AI Hardware, Commercial Leap-Ahead, Electromagnetic Warfare, Secure Edge/IoT Computing and Quantum Technology – the United States is safeguarding our critical microelectronics supply chain. The Microelectronics Commons was awarded through the Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS) OTA, managed by NSTXL, which is the premier rapid OT contracting vehicle for the Department of Defense (DoD) in trusted microelectronics, strategic & spectrum mission, and other critical mission areas.

About NSTXL

NSTXL is focused on building a network of innovators and creators across the most sought-after emerging technology fields. As an open-source platform, our approach was designed to encourage network growth and collaboration without stifling change. We support our network by providing commercial-term contracting, open-source technology discovery, modern-day marketing outreach, a strongly interconnected network for easy teaming and cybersecurity compliance support.