The National Science Foundation is offering a grant opportunity titled "Ideas Lab: Advancing Cell-Free Systems Toward Increased Range of Use-Inspired Applications". This grant aims to accelerate the adoption of cell-free systems, enable new applications of this technology, and contribute to the growth of the U.S. bioeconomy. Cell-free systems allow biochemical processes to be carried out in vitro instead of in traditional cell-based bio-reactors, offering advantages such as rapid turn-around, distributed manufacturing, and high-fidelity control. However, cell-free manufacturing is currently more expensive and has a limited range of applications. The grant seeks to reduce the cost of cell-free systems, increase their capabilities, and develop cost-effective use-inspired applications. The grant will focus on specific use cases and aims to demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of cell-free systems, create infrastructure components, and invest in workforce training. The grant will use the Ideas Lab process to bring together diverse perspectives and identify opportunities to improve cell-free systems. For more information, visit the NSF Publication 24-552.