The National Science Foundation (NSF), a US government agency that funds scientific research, is inviting proposals on how new technologies such as blockchain can improve the resiliency of cyberinfrastructure, CoinDesk reported.

The recently updated grant proposal solicitation states that the anticipated funding amount for the research is $8.5m. The Cybersecurity Innovation for Cyberinfrastructure (CICI) comprises two Program Areas, namely, Resilient Security Architecture for Research Cyberinfrastructure and Cybersecurity Enhancement.

“Total funding for the CICI program is $8,500,000, subject to the availability of funds. Resilient Security Architecture for Research Cyberinfrastructure awards will be supported at up to $1,000,000 total per award for up to three years. Cybersecurity Enhancement awards will be supported at up to $1,000,000 total per award for up to two years”, it says.

Although the grant is not explicitly focused on blockchain, it notes the potential of the technology to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data. It stated:

“With the growing amount of remote instruments and the increasing amount of data being collected from multiple, often remote, wireless and mobile sensors, science is increasingly distributed and virtual. Solutions such as the introduction of blockchain technology are needed to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data as it traverses multiple environments such as mobile, cloud, campus, and Internet networks.”

The proposals, however, could only be submitted by universities and colleges, and non-profit, non-academic organizations (such as independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies and similar organizations in the U.S. associated with educational or research activities). The full proposal deadline is 01 March 2017.