The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.
Agrology is an agricultural technology company recognized for its contributions to sustainable farming practices and a recipient of a National Science Foundation award. Operating from offices in Alexandria, Virginia, and Salinas, California, Agrology provides real-time data that enables growers to assess the ecological and agronomic impacts of regenerative farming. The company focuses on monitoring soil health, microbial activity, carbon cycles, nitrous oxide emissions, net ecosystem exchange, and microclimatic conditions. This data helps farmers connect regenerative practices to measurable reductions in greenhouse gases and other ecological benefits. Additionally, Agrology's predictive agriculture system offers insights that assist farmers in adapting to climate change while improving soil sequestration and generating carbon credits. The company is trusted by prominent growers, researchers, and global consumer packaged goods brands.
Babylon Micro-Farms
Grant in 2023
Babylon Micro-Farms Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in providing indoor farming solutions that empower individuals and communities to grow their own produce. The company offers a smart, scalable indoor farming platform designed for a variety of crops, including leafy greens, herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers. By leveraging remote management technology, Babylon Micro-Farms aims to create a decentralized network of micro-farms across North America, making sustainable hydroponic farming more accessible. Their innovative systems automate the growing process, significantly reducing water usage, food waste, and pollutants while allowing year-round cultivation. Additionally, Babylon Micro-Farms has developed low-cost micro-farms to support food-insecure populations, particularly refugees in the Middle East, highlighting their commitment to addressing food security through sustainable agriculture.
AgroSpheres
Grant in 2021
AgroSpheres, LLC, founded in 2016 and based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technology aimed at improving crop protection products. The company develops engineered bio-particles that efficiently deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, significantly reducing the waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. By employing a unique encapsulation and delivery platform, AgroSpheres enhances the effectiveness of various crop protection solutions, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. The firm focuses on creating biodegradable technologies that minimize harmful pesticide residues on plants, utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques to produce biomolecules and chemicals that target toxic materials. This approach not only benefits agricultural businesses but also promotes the health and well-being of plants and their products.
Babylon Micro-Farms
Grant in 2021
Babylon Micro-Farms Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in providing indoor farming solutions that empower individuals and communities to grow their own produce. The company offers a smart, scalable indoor farming platform designed for a variety of crops, including leafy greens, herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers. By leveraging remote management technology, Babylon Micro-Farms aims to create a decentralized network of micro-farms across North America, making sustainable hydroponic farming more accessible. Their innovative systems automate the growing process, significantly reducing water usage, food waste, and pollutants while allowing year-round cultivation. Additionally, Babylon Micro-Farms has developed low-cost micro-farms to support food-insecure populations, particularly refugees in the Middle East, highlighting their commitment to addressing food security through sustainable agriculture.
CytoRecovery
Grant in 2021
CytoRecovery, Inc. specializes in developing microfluidic technology aimed at recovering and testing subpopulations of cancer cells from tumor biopsies and other biological samples. Founded in 2017 and based in Blacksburg, Virginia, the company provides tools that allow cell biologists and life science researchers to efficiently select and recover rare, homogeneous, and viable cell subpopulations from various sources, including tissue and blood. The technology facilitates precise cell biology analytics by offering individual trapping and release of these rare cells for downstream analysis, thus enhancing research capabilities in the study of cancer and other diseases.
Altrix Medical
Grant in 2020
Altrix Medical, founded in 2013 and based in Centreville, Virginia, is a medical company focused on developing online applications and medical equipment aimed at enhancing health outcomes. The company specializes in a portable smart automated external defibrillator designed to address cardiac arrest. This device is linked to an application that alerts first responders and provides the patient's location, facilitating prompt on-site diagnosis and treatment of sudden cardiac events. Through its innovative solutions, Altrix Medical seeks to improve the effectiveness of emergency medical responses and ultimately enhance patient care.
TRAXyL
Grant in 2020
TRAXyL, Inc. specializes in the innovative installation of optical fiber by providing a unique distribution system that allows for the direct application of fiber communications onto road surfaces. Founded in 2014 and based in Warrenton, Virginia, the company has developed a method that eliminates the need for traditional trenching, thus facilitating faster deployment of broadband services. This technology not only enhances connectivity in underserved areas but also supports the rollout of 5G networks, making it easier for municipalities and internet service providers to improve access in various locations, including campuses, hospitals, and military bases.
Caza Health
Grant in 2020
Caza Health is a biotech company specializing in the microbiome, immunology, and oncology. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Earlysville, Virginia.
Neurowired
Grant in 2020
Neurowired, founded in 2013 and located in Morgantown, West Virginia, specializes in developing biomimetic algorithms aimed at real-time processing of biological signals. The company focuses on extracting limb movement intent from signals generated by muscles, nerves, or the central nervous system. By leveraging advanced sensors, Neurowired enables accurate predictions of limb movements, facilitating intuitive control over augmented reality, virtual reality applications, prosthetic limbs, and natural muscle movements. This innovative approach allows users to interact with digital environments in a manner that closely resembles their physical interactions in reality.
Polarctic
Grant in 2020
PolArctic, headquartered in Lorton, Virginia, is a specialized data science and oceanographic company focused on the Arctic region. It develops custom products and solutions, leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to address business and policy questions related to the Arctic. By providing accurate and timely data-driven insights, PolArctic empowers its clients to plan and execute maritime activities with confidence.
Babylon Micro-Farms
Grant in 2020
Babylon Micro-Farms Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in providing indoor farming solutions that empower individuals and communities to grow their own produce. The company offers a smart, scalable indoor farming platform designed for a variety of crops, including leafy greens, herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers. By leveraging remote management technology, Babylon Micro-Farms aims to create a decentralized network of micro-farms across North America, making sustainable hydroponic farming more accessible. Their innovative systems automate the growing process, significantly reducing water usage, food waste, and pollutants while allowing year-round cultivation. Additionally, Babylon Micro-Farms has developed low-cost micro-farms to support food-insecure populations, particularly refugees in the Middle East, highlighting their commitment to addressing food security through sustainable agriculture.
AgroSpheres
Grant in 2019
AgroSpheres, LLC, founded in 2016 and based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technology aimed at improving crop protection products. The company develops engineered bio-particles that efficiently deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, significantly reducing the waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. By employing a unique encapsulation and delivery platform, AgroSpheres enhances the effectiveness of various crop protection solutions, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. The firm focuses on creating biodegradable technologies that minimize harmful pesticide residues on plants, utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques to produce biomolecules and chemicals that target toxic materials. This approach not only benefits agricultural businesses but also promotes the health and well-being of plants and their products.
Babylon Micro-Farms
Grant in 2019
Babylon Micro-Farms Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in providing indoor farming solutions that empower individuals and communities to grow their own produce. The company offers a smart, scalable indoor farming platform designed for a variety of crops, including leafy greens, herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers. By leveraging remote management technology, Babylon Micro-Farms aims to create a decentralized network of micro-farms across North America, making sustainable hydroponic farming more accessible. Their innovative systems automate the growing process, significantly reducing water usage, food waste, and pollutants while allowing year-round cultivation. Additionally, Babylon Micro-Farms has developed low-cost micro-farms to support food-insecure populations, particularly refugees in the Middle East, highlighting their commitment to addressing food security through sustainable agriculture.
Unanimous AI
Grant in 2019
Unanimous A.I., Inc. specializes in swarm artificial intelligence software solutions that harness collective human intelligence to enhance decision-making and predictions. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company offers two primary products: Swarm Insight and Swarm IQ. Swarm Insight enables organizations to gather and analyze consumer insights more accurately than traditional methods, while Swarm IQ enhances the predictive capabilities of business teams, improving forecasts and evaluations. By merging real-time human input with AI algorithms, Unanimous A.I. creates dynamic systems that keep people involved in the decision-making process, rather than replacing them with automated solutions. This innovative approach has garnered recognition, including awards at the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards. With additional offices in locations such as Arlington, San Luis Obispo, Chicago, and Washington, the company aims to transform how organizations harness collective intelligence for various applications, from marketing to finance.
Xopolis
Grant in 2019
Xopolis provides AI solutions for economic and workforce managers. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Reston, Virginia.
Agrology
Grant in 2019
Agrology is an agricultural technology company recognized for its contributions to sustainable farming practices and a recipient of a National Science Foundation award. Operating from offices in Alexandria, Virginia, and Salinas, California, Agrology provides real-time data that enables growers to assess the ecological and agronomic impacts of regenerative farming. The company focuses on monitoring soil health, microbial activity, carbon cycles, nitrous oxide emissions, net ecosystem exchange, and microclimatic conditions. This data helps farmers connect regenerative practices to measurable reductions in greenhouse gases and other ecological benefits. Additionally, Agrology's predictive agriculture system offers insights that assist farmers in adapting to climate change while improving soil sequestration and generating carbon credits. The company is trusted by prominent growers, researchers, and global consumer packaged goods brands.
Altrix Medical
Grant in 2019
Altrix Medical, founded in 2013 and based in Centreville, Virginia, is a medical company focused on developing online applications and medical equipment aimed at enhancing health outcomes. The company specializes in a portable smart automated external defibrillator designed to address cardiac arrest. This device is linked to an application that alerts first responders and provides the patient's location, facilitating prompt on-site diagnosis and treatment of sudden cardiac events. Through its innovative solutions, Altrix Medical seeks to improve the effectiveness of emergency medical responses and ultimately enhance patient care.
Innerspec Technologies
Grant in 2019
Innerspec Technologies specializes in designing and commercializing non-destructive testing systems, positioning itself as a leader in high-power ultrasonics and Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) technology for the inspection of metallic parts and components. Headquartered in Forest, Virginia, the company also maintains regional offices in Spain and China. Innerspec provides a range of products and services, including fully automated turnkey solutions and advanced ultrasonic equipment, to meet the needs of its customers in various commercial applications.
Cerillo
Grant in 2018
Cerillo is a biotechnology company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. The company focuses on developing innovative biological laboratory instruments that simplify common research tasks. One of its notable products is a compact multiwell plate reader, designed to operate effectively in small laboratory environments. This instrument enhances researchers' capabilities by allowing for extensive characterization of microbes, thereby removing traditional barriers imposed by conventional laboratory technologies. Through its advancements, Cerillo aims to empower researchers and facilitate more efficient scientific exploration.
BlackBoiler
Grant in 2017
BlackBoiler, LLC is a legal technology company that specializes in AI-assisted contract review solutions. Established in 2016 and based in Arlington, Virginia, with an additional office in New York, the company utilizes advanced deep learning and natural language processing technologies to provide its clients with efficient contract management tools. BlackBoiler's platform enables legal service providers, law firms, and attorneys to quickly review and revise contracts, employing a system that learns from historical contracts and company standards. Its key features include automated redlining, third-party contract review, integrated email workflows, and productivity metrics, all designed to streamline the contract review process and significantly reduce the time and costs associated with legal documentation.
TRAXyL
Grant in 2017
TRAXyL, Inc. specializes in the innovative installation of optical fiber by providing a unique distribution system that allows for the direct application of fiber communications onto road surfaces. Founded in 2014 and based in Warrenton, Virginia, the company has developed a method that eliminates the need for traditional trenching, thus facilitating faster deployment of broadband services. This technology not only enhances connectivity in underserved areas but also supports the rollout of 5G networks, making it easier for municipalities and internet service providers to improve access in various locations, including campuses, hospitals, and military bases.
Cerillo
Grant in 2016
Cerillo is a biotechnology company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. The company focuses on developing innovative biological laboratory instruments that simplify common research tasks. One of its notable products is a compact multiwell plate reader, designed to operate effectively in small laboratory environments. This instrument enhances researchers' capabilities by allowing for extensive characterization of microbes, thereby removing traditional barriers imposed by conventional laboratory technologies. Through its advancements, Cerillo aims to empower researchers and facilitate more efficient scientific exploration.
Service Robotics & Technologies
Grant in 2016
Service Robotics & Technologies, Inc. is a software integration company based in Springfield, Virginia, established in 2017. It specializes in providing smart device solutions for building management. The company offers a range of services, including smart building management, facility mapping, robot fleet management, automated scheduling, and consulting. Additionally, it focuses on creating an integrated ecosystem that incorporates robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and building automation technologies to enhance facility and campus management.
Service Robotics & Technologies
Pre Seed Round in 2016
Service Robotics & Technologies, Inc. is a software integration company based in Springfield, Virginia, established in 2017. It specializes in providing smart device solutions for building management. The company offers a range of services, including smart building management, facility mapping, robot fleet management, automated scheduling, and consulting. Additionally, it focuses on creating an integrated ecosystem that incorporates robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and building automation technologies to enhance facility and campus management.
BrightSpec
Grant in 2016
BrightSpec is a company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializing in innovative laboratory services and technology for analytical chemistry. It is known for its Fourier transform molecular rotational resonance (FT-MRR) platform, developed from research at the University of Virginia. This technology enables comprehensive characterization of molecules, offering sensitivity to distinguish between stereoisomers and isotopes. BrightSpec's products are particularly valuable in industries such as manufacturing process control, quality control, environmental monitoring, and formulation research. The FT-MRR platform enhances the analysis of complex mixtures without the need for chromatography, thereby improving efficiency for chemical manufacturers. By leveraging quantum theory, BrightSpec aims to revolutionize the connection between artificial intelligence and sample analytics, providing immediate results to its customers.
Aperiomics
Grant in 2015
Aperiomics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Sterling, Virginia, specializing in pathogen detection services for the animal screening, agricultural testing, and human diagnostics industries. Founded in 2013 and initially known as NextGen Diagnostics, the company changed its name in 2014. Aperiomics utilizes advanced sequencing technologies and a proprietary informatics pipeline to identify a wide range of pathogens, including viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic organisms, through a single test. By employing Deep Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing and leveraging a comprehensive database of over 37,000 microbes, Aperiomics enables medical professionals to identify infections that may be missed by conventional testing methods. This innovative approach has aided many patients suffering from unexplained illnesses by providing accurate diagnoses and facilitating effective treatment pathways. Recognized for its contributions to the field, Aperiomics received accolades such as Life Science Innovator of the Year in 2016 and International Start Up of the Year in 2018.
BrightSpec
Grant in 2014
BrightSpec is a company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializing in innovative laboratory services and technology for analytical chemistry. It is known for its Fourier transform molecular rotational resonance (FT-MRR) platform, developed from research at the University of Virginia. This technology enables comprehensive characterization of molecules, offering sensitivity to distinguish between stereoisomers and isotopes. BrightSpec's products are particularly valuable in industries such as manufacturing process control, quality control, environmental monitoring, and formulation research. The FT-MRR platform enhances the analysis of complex mixtures without the need for chromatography, thereby improving efficiency for chemical manufacturers. By leveraging quantum theory, BrightSpec aims to revolutionize the connection between artificial intelligence and sample analytics, providing immediate results to its customers.
Parabon NanoLabs
Grant in 2014
Parabon NanoLabs Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Reston, Virginia, specializing in the development of innovative therapeutic and forensic products using advanced DNA technology. The company designs multi-functional macromolecules aimed at treating various cancers, including brain, lung, and breast cancer. In addition to therapeutics, Parabon NanoLabs creates and licenses macromolecules for applications in bioweapons defense, DNA biometrics, and consumer product enhancements. Their expertise spans areas such as bioinformatics, oncology, chemistry, and computer science, allowing them to leverage recent advancements in DNA sequencing and processing technologies. Parabon NanoLabs also offers custom design and fabrication services, positioning itself as a vertically integrated player in the healthcare technology sector. As a small business recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration, it has received multiple grants for innovation in its field.
Aperiomics
Grant in 2014
Aperiomics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Sterling, Virginia, specializing in pathogen detection services for the animal screening, agricultural testing, and human diagnostics industries. Founded in 2013 and initially known as NextGen Diagnostics, the company changed its name in 2014. Aperiomics utilizes advanced sequencing technologies and a proprietary informatics pipeline to identify a wide range of pathogens, including viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic organisms, through a single test. By employing Deep Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing and leveraging a comprehensive database of over 37,000 microbes, Aperiomics enables medical professionals to identify infections that may be missed by conventional testing methods. This innovative approach has aided many patients suffering from unexplained illnesses by providing accurate diagnoses and facilitating effective treatment pathways. Recognized for its contributions to the field, Aperiomics received accolades such as Life Science Innovator of the Year in 2016 and International Start Up of the Year in 2018.
MineLight Solutions
Grant in 2014
MineLight Solutions is a consulting firm that provides solutions such as strategic and operational planning, operational improvement, performance management and reporting, IT restructuring and reoganization, and communication planning. The company comprises of management consultants that mostly offers its services towards federal government clients to assist other businesses or organizations. MineLight Solutions was founded in 2008 by Patrick O'Brien in Fairfax, Virgina.
CEINT
Grant in 2013
The Center for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology (CEINT) is exploring the relationship between a vast array of nanomaterials— from natural, to manufactured, to those produced incidentally by human activities— and their potential environmental exposure, biological effects, and ecological impacts. Headquartered at Duke University, CEINT is a collaborative effort bringing together researchers from Duke, Carnegie Mellon University, Howard University, Virginia Tech, University of Kentucky, and Stanford University. CEINT academic collaborations include on-going activities coordinated with faculty at Baylor, Clemson, North Carolina State, and North Carolina Central universities, with researchers at NIST and EPA government labs, and with key international partners.
Rivanna
Grant in 2013
Rivanna Medical, LLC is a medical technology company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, founded in 2010. The company focuses on developing and commercializing innovative ultrasound-based systems aimed at enhancing the application of spinal and epidural anesthesia through advanced 3D navigation of the lumbar spine. Its flagship product, Accuro, not only facilitates precise anesthesia delivery but also supports various diagnostic imaging needs, including musculoskeletal and abdominal anatomies. Rivanna Medical is committed to improving patient outcomes and lowering healthcare costs while minimizing patient exposure to radiation commonly associated with X-ray-based imaging techniques.
Echo Ridge
Grant in 2013
Echo Ridge, founded in 2006 in Sterling, Virginia, specializes in developing and selling systems for resilient Positioning/Navigation/Timing (PNT) and Electronic Warfare (EW), alongside high-fidelity laboratory modeling, simulation, and testing of complex radio frequency (RF) devices and systems. The company offers a range of services tailored for various sectors, including aviation, biosurveillance, cyber intelligence, disaster management, and federal infrastructure. With a focus on both commercial and government markets, Echo Ridge provides comprehensive research, product development, and intellectual property development services, utilizing advanced signal processing algorithms, software design, and hardware production. This enables customers to implement effective wireless applications across multiple domains, including communications systems and sophisticated modeling and simulation environments.
TreeDiaper
Grant in 2013
TreeDiaper is a provider of landscape mats and containers for various plants, trees, and shrubs for your garden or for parks. The company delivers a hydration system designed for potted plants, once the mat is soaked in water alongside with soil for the plant or tree, it helps the plant develop through controlled water release. TreeDiaper was established in 2010 by Dr. Hailing Yang in Ashland, Virginia.
NBE Tech
Grant in 2013
NBE Tech, LLC is a Virginia-based company specializing in material solutions for thermal management and high-temperature applications. Founded in 2005, it focuses on the development and production of nano metal powders and nano silver pastes, particularly its proprietary nanoTach® product. This technology, developed through research at Virginia Tech, is distinguished by its ability to maintain thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties while simplifying processes like low-temperature joining techniques. Unlike traditional methods that require substantial pressure for effective sintering, NBE's nanoTach® pastes can be sintered at lower temperatures without the need for pressure, enhancing efficiency in semiconductor and optoelectronic device manufacturing. The company operates a high-volume production facility at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center and has received recognition for its innovations, including a prestigious R&D 100 Award in 2007.
Rivanna
Grant in 2012
Rivanna Medical, LLC is a medical technology company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, founded in 2010. The company focuses on developing and commercializing innovative ultrasound-based systems aimed at enhancing the application of spinal and epidural anesthesia through advanced 3D navigation of the lumbar spine. Its flagship product, Accuro, not only facilitates precise anesthesia delivery but also supports various diagnostic imaging needs, including musculoskeletal and abdominal anatomies. Rivanna Medical is committed to improving patient outcomes and lowering healthcare costs while minimizing patient exposure to radiation commonly associated with X-ray-based imaging techniques.
Synoptos
Angel Round in 2011
Synoptos specializes in delivering targeted business intelligence solutions for high-profile organizations and campaigns through advanced news and social media monitoring, media analysis, and influencer identification. The company employs proprietary technologies and algorithms, developed with support from the National Science Foundation and Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology, alongside rigorous human data analysis methodologies. This combination allows Synoptos to assist clients in leveraging digital media for intelligence gathering, optimizing business operations, measuring performance, and enhancing decision-making. Its diverse clientele includes Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, trade associations, political officials, media outlets, lobbying firms, non-profits, and NGOs, all benefiting from Synoptos' comprehensive understanding of the media landscape and information flow.
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