On Sept. 11, 2018, the National Science Foundation (NSF) launched the 2026 Idea Machine: A mechanism to set the stage for breakthrough research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and STEM education through the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and beyond.

Six of the Big Ideas were research ideas, building upon the foundation of NSF-funded research over the past 70 years. The research ideas were complemented by four enabling ideas, which focused on improving the way science is done, from impacting the workforce to developing the infrastructure that will drive the discoveries and aid the discoverers of tomorrow’s science.

While the Big Ideas ended as a unifying concept in 2023, NSF continues investments in many of the Ideas through its core programs.