SMART USA INSTITUTE FAQ

Where can I find the Letter of Support Template?

Please download the letter of support Word document here.

Can foreign companies participate?

Yes, provided they are from countries aligned with the US (not Chinese, Russian, or North Korean)

How can I get funding from the institute?

Help us win the selection by NIST, then submit a compelling proposal to be funded.

Do I have to be an institute member to be funded?

Highly likely, but the exact membership and funding model will be refined during the proposal writing and contract negotiations.

Is there a limit on the number of orgs that can participate?

No, but we do have minimum goals for each organization type (SmallCo, academia, Nat Labs, etc.) and we highly value a diverse and inclusive approach. Further, DEI is a significant emphasis topic within CHIPS and will therefore be a key priority for the membership model and thorughout the proposal.