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Data / Federal grants / 26-506

Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE)

U.S. National Science Foundation is accepting applications until March 2, 2027. It lists 60 awards expected, $40 million in total.

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Key facts

Opportunity number
26-506
Status
Posted, open
Posted
February 19, 2026
Closes
March 2, 2027
Expected awards
60
Total funding
$40,000,000
Cost sharing
Not required
Funding instrument
Grant
Category
Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Assistance listing
47.041 Engineering; 47.049 Mathematical and Physical Sciences; 47.050 Geosciences; 47.074 Biological Sciences; 47.075 Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences; 47.076 STEM Education (formerly Education and Human Resources); 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships; None None
Contact
U.S. National Science Foundation · [email protected] · 703-292-4203

Who can apply

  • Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -For-profit organizations: U.S.-based commercial organizations, including small businesses, with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education and a passion for innovation. -Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. -Other Federal Agencies and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs): Prospective proposers from other Federal Agencies and FFRDCs, including NSF sponsored FFRDCs, must follow the guidance in PAPPG Chapter I.E.2 regarding limitations on eligibility. -State and Local Governments -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (

What the agency says

The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program supports the translation of open-source science and engineering-focused research products into safe and sustainable ecosystems that address national and societal challenges. Open-source tools such as software, hardware, machine learning models, languages, and data platforms are designed to be shared as they are publicly-accessible and modifiable. These tools spark innovation in critical fields as varied as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, banking, healthcare, research, education, next-gen manufacturing, mobility, and National security (including cybersecurity).

PESOSE supports the creation of managing organizations for these ecosystems, ensuring strong governance, distributed development, and broad user communities across academia, industry, and government. PESOSE also supports enhancements to the safety, security, and privacy of Open-Source Ecosystems (OSE) by addressing significant vulnerabilities, both technical and socio-technical, to improve the resistance of the ecosystem against threats.

This solicitation seeks three types of proposals, allowing teams to propose specific activities to: 1) scope and plan  the establishment of an OSE, 2)  establish   and expand a sustainable OSE based on a robust, promising open-source product that meets an emergent societal or national need, and 3) improve the safety, security, and privacy of an existing OSE and its products.

The notice on Grants.gov Full announcement

Other open grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation

· Everything closing in March 2027

Read from the Grants.gov API, last updated 2026-10-23. The agency's notice on Grants.gov is the official record; check it before you apply.