New NSF Program Cultivates the Future of NextG Networks

Ellen Zegura, Acting Assistant Director of Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), NSF
Competitiveness in advanced telecommunications technologies is critical to American innovation and national security. The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently announced the new Verticals-enabling Intelligent NEtwork Systems (VINES) program to foster U.S. leadership in advanced telecommunications and foster innovative real-world applications.
NSF Acting Assistant Director of Computer and Information Science and Engineering Ellen Zegura says that VINES is focused on advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, which will bring significant advantages in cost reduction and improved network reliability and availability through automation of processes. AI-native networks, Zegura adds, create more “capable” networks, which open the door for new use of wireless networks.
Zegura also discusses the collaborative aspect of the program. VINES brings together industry leaders like Intel and Qualcomm with federal agencies, as well as partnerships with the governments of Finland, Japan, India and Sweden. This global collaboration leverages resources and strengthens network operation and interoperability across national boundaries, which are often vulnerable points, Zegura explained.

-
Ellen Zegura Acting Assistant Director of Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), NSF
-
DOD Turns to Skills-Based Hiring to Build Next-Gen Cyber Workforce
Mark Gorak discusses DOD’s efforts to build a diverse cyber workforce, including skills-based hiring and partnerships with over 480 schools.
20m listen -
AI Foundations Driving Government Efficiency
Federal agencies are modernizing systems, managing risk and building trust to scale responsible AI and drive government efficiency.
40m watch -
Navy Memo Maps Tech Priorities for the Future Fight
Acting CTO’s memo outlines critical investment areas, from AI and quantum to cyber and space, as part of an accelerated modernization push.
5m read -
DOD Can No Longer Assume Superiority in Digital Warfare, Officials Warn
The DOD must make concerted efforts to address cyber vulnerabilities to maintain the tactical edge, military leaders said at HammerCon 2025.
4m read -
DHA CDAO Spearheads Master Data Catalog to Boost Transparency
Jesus Caban plans to boost DHA's data maturity through a new master data catalog, governance frameworks and inventory of tech tools.
5m read -
Trump Orders Spark Government-Wide Acquisition Overhaul
As Trump pushes for a faster, simpler procurement system, agencies are leveraging AI and adapting strategies to meet new requirements.
5m read -
Inside Oak Ridge National Lab’s Pioneer Approach to AI
Energy Department’s Oak Ridge National Lab transforms AI vulnerabilities into strategic opportunities for national defense.
22m listen -
A Look at Federal Zero Trust Transformation
Recent developments from CISA and DOD show how government is advancing zero trust quickly.
20m read -
Modernization Strategies to Enable Energy Innovation
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and Maximus experts explore the modernization strategies driving digital transformation and operational resilience within the energy sector.
33m watch -
DOI Must Modernize Energy to Win AI Race, Secretary Says
Doug Burgum links AI innovation to energy reform as DOI advances digital infrastructure and wildfire response under Trump’s tech agenda.
2m read -
NIST to Release New AI Cybersecurity Guidance as Federal Use Expands
NIST plans to release AI cybersecurity guidance within the year to support safe adoption as federal agencies expand use cases.
4m read -
Federal Zero Trust Forum
The Federal Zero Trust Forum brings together key technology leaders from across government to explore practical strategies and share lessons for advancing zero trust architecture.
Ritz Pentagon City | 1250 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202