National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

James Donlon

Program Director

Sean L. Jones

Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Ben Schrag Ph.D

Program Director and Policy Liaison, SBIR / STTR

Past deals in Nanotechnology

PneumoNIX

Grant in 2023
PneumoNIX Medical is developing gel-based technologies to prevent complications associated with percutaneous procedures such as soft tissue biopsies.

OmniVis

Grant in 2022
OmniVis operates a portable pathogen detection platform that allows for the rapid and accurate measurement of pathogens in various environments, particularly in food processing facilities. The company provides an easy-to-use hardware device in conjunction with disposable test kits that can analyze swabs or liquid samples. This streamlined process reduces the pathogen detection time to just 30 minutes, making it both efficient and cost-effective for health organizations. By focusing on user-friendly technology, OmniVis aims to enhance the accuracy of pathogen detection while ensuring affordability and simplicity in its application.

Landsdowne

Grant in 2022
Developer of an innovative button battery technology designed to deactivate batteries following accidental ingestion. The company is commercializing this technology for global companies seeking a turnkey, low-cost alternative to the growing button battery health crisis, enabling patients with fragile skin to remain unharmed.

InnovBot

Grant in 2022
InnovBot develops wall-climbing robot technologies that provide vertical mobility and high-precision positioning solutions. The company is based in Yorktown Heights, New York.

NovoClade

Grant in 2022
NovoClade is a synthetic biology company focused on developing environmentally friendly solutions for insect control and invasive species eradication. The company utilizes gene-editing technology to create sterile mosquito populations, aiming to mitigate the spread of diseases carried by these insects. By offering chemical-free pest control alternatives, NovoClade provides clients with innovative formulas that effectively reduce disease transmission without harming the environment. Through their advancements in genetic bio-control, NovoClade addresses critical public health challenges while promoting sustainable practices in pest management.

Uniphage

Grant in 2022
Uniphage is a biotech company that eliminates bacterial infections by combining the power of bacteriophages with artificial intelligence. Their first target disease is citrus greening, an incurable and debilitating disease that costs the United States more than $2 billion each year. Uniphage created the first commercially effective models for computationally predicting safe bacterial viruses against target bacterial infections, as well as discovered a variety of targets. This enables them to deliver new antimicrobial, safe, and precise products to market much more quickly.

MFNS

Grant in 2022
MFNS specializes in consulting services aimed at the separation of oil and other contaminants from industrial processes and wastewater. The company has developed a nanostructured coating that efficiently cleans up oil, pollutants, and toxins from water. They provide a unique oleophilic and hydrophobic sponge that attracts oil while repelling water, making it a multifunctional solution for environmental cleanup. This sponge can be recycled after its active properties are exhausted, allowing businesses and communities to effectively absorb toxins from water supplies and reduce contamination from industrial runoff. Additionally, MFNS collaborates with clients to create custom solutions, including the development of specialized membranes and sponges tailored to specific industry needs.

UCHU Biosensors

Grant in 2022
UCHU Biosensors develops a platform of tooth mounted sensors to effortlessly track health through saliva.

WaveArray

Grant in 2022
WaveArray is a technology company based in Naples, Florida, founded in 2017. It specializes in developing an electronic platform aimed at eliminating biofouling, a common problem in marine environments. The company's innovative approach utilizes electronic technology and principles of water energy interaction to create microbubbles on submerged surfaces, which effectively inhibit the growth of hard-shelled organisms and algae. By preventing the formation of microorganisms on man-made surfaces, WaveArray offers a sustainable alternative to traditional antifouling paints and coatings, which can pose risks to marine ecosystems.
Future Semiconductor Business specializes in the development of bandgap semiconductors, particularly those used in light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The company focuses on two-dimensional material-based layer transfer technology, which facilitates the epitaxial growth of high-quality single-crystalline semiconductors on graphene. This innovative approach allows for the transfer of semiconductors to a host substrate, enhancing the quality and performance of the final product. Additionally, Future Semiconductor Business has developed a gallium nitride (GaN) substrate that enables the infinite reuse of the parent wafer, offering a cost-effective solution for large-area semiconductor production. Their technology aims to meet the increasing demand for efficient and high-quality semiconductor materials in various applications.

Nth Cycle

Grant in 2022
Nth Cycle is a start-up focused on transforming the electronics manufacturing supply chain through innovative low-cost recycling methods. The company aims to shift the industry from a linear material model to a more efficient circular model, thereby reducing dependence on overseas mining and refining of rare earth and specialty metals. By developing an electrochemical recycling device, Nth Cycle enables the reclamation of valuable metals from end-of-life electronic devices, creating a secure domestic source for these materials. This approach not only supports the manufacturing sector but also contributes to advancements in clean energy, addressing the growing demand for sustainable practices in the recycling and electronics industries.

Oncurie

Grant in 2022
Oncurie specializes in developing targeted radionuclide therapies aimed at treating metastatic cancer. The company employs innovative molecular radionuclide technology to deliver radionuclides selectively to metastatic tissues, enhancing treatment efficacy. By focusing on this advanced therapeutic approach, Oncurie seeks to provide healthcare providers with the tools needed to effectively cure patients suffering from breast cancer and other metastatic conditions.

Boron Nitride Power

Grant in 2022
Boron Nitride Power develops functionalized 2D materials to simultaneously achieve high energy and power density electrochemical energy storage with thermal stability and an environmentally benign and economic composition. Their cathode materials include functionalized hexagonal boron nitride and graphene and are improved versions of the well-known graphene oxide cathode, especially in terms of thermal stability.

DNALite Therapeutics

Grant in 2021
DNALite Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing gene therapy treatments specifically for the gastrointestinal tract. Founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, California, the company utilizes proprietary technology to deliver therapeutic DNA directly to intestinal stem cells, aiming to address the underlying causes of diseases such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a hereditary form of colorectal cancer that often necessitates invasive surgical procedures. By targeting these root causes, DNALite seeks to prevent disease progression rather than merely managing symptoms, offering a potentially transformative approach to treating gastrointestinal disorders, including colorectal cancer and Crohn's disease.

Rubi Laboratories

Grant in 2021
Rubi Laboratories develops technology that manufactures carbon-negative textile. It uses sustainable solutions to turn carbon emission into natural fibers. Rubi Laboratories is based in California, USA.

QuadraLynx

Grant in 2021
Quadralynx specializes in the development of wearable biometric devices tailored for adults experiencing motor speech disorders, particularly those who face challenges with volume control due to Parkinson's disease and similar neurological conditions. The company's innovative device employs biofeedback technology to alert users through vibrations when their voice reaches a pathological state. By focusing on speech and voice improvement, Quadralynx aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by these disorders.

Corinnova

Grant in 2021
CorInnova Incorporated, founded in 2004 and based in Houston, Texas, specializes in device-based therapies aimed at treating congestive heart failure. The company is known for its innovative non-blood-contacting soft robotic cardiac assist device, which has the potential to significantly increase the number of heart failure patients eligible for life-saving device therapies. By focusing on advanced technological solutions, CorInnova seeks to improve outcomes for individuals suffering from this serious condition.

Anello

Grant in 2021
Anello Photonics, based in Silicon Valley, specializes in developing advanced sensors that deliver optical gyroscope performance at an affordable price. Founded by experts in silicon photonics and inertial navigation, the company has created a patented technology known as the Anello SiPhOG gyroscope. This innovative sensor leverages an integrated photonic system-on-chip that utilizes a proprietary waveguide process, which simulates the characteristics of optical fiber within a compact chip. Anello's technology aims to redefine navigation systems with next-generation capabilities, positioning the company as a leader in the mass-market sensor industry. The company has garnered support from prominent venture capital firms to propel its growth and technological advancements.

Synvivia

Grant in 2021
Synvivia makes ON-OFF switches for genetically engineered organisms. These protein switches are controlled by small molecules. By installing these switches into an organism, Synvivia creates engineered organisms that can be controlled with small molecules.

BioSapien

Grant in 2021
BioSapien is a biotech startup that focuses on developing a 3D printed drug delivery platform to provide FDA approved drugs. The startup's device allows chemotherapy to be delivered intravenously through a controlled drug release and enables physicians to reduce harmful side-effects and dramatically reduce costs. BioSapien was established in 2018 and is based in New York.
TruSpin uses a breakthrough A/C electrospinning process to affordably mass-produce compositions of nanofibers that are difficult or impossible to make using pre-existing methods. Right now, TruSpin is using these nanofibers as an additive to the chemicals that go inside batteries for a tremendous increase in energy density.

NanoVMs

Grant in 2021
NanoVMs Inc. specializes in providing a managed platform based on unikernel technology, designed for both public and private cloud environments. The company’s offerings include a fully managed production-ready unikernel platform, a unikernel database that enhances security by preventing shell code exploits, and a unikernel firewall. In addition to these products, NanoVMs also delivers managed services, application development, and migration services for businesses adopting unikernel technology. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, NanoVMs is recognized as the sole provider of a production-ready unikernel platform in the industry, enabling companies to operate applications more efficiently, securely, and cost-effectively on their existing infrastructure.

Huue

Grant in 2021
Huue, formerly known as Tinctorium Inc., is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, specializing in sustainable indigo dyeing solutions for the textile and fashion industry. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes a unique technology that mimics natural plant processes within microbes to produce indigo dye. This innovative approach significantly reduces chemical usage in the denim supply chain, offering an environmentally friendly alternative for denim production. By harnessing the power of biotechnology, Huue aims to provide the fashion industry with sustainable coloring options that rely on renewable resources, contributing to a more eco-conscious approach in textile manufacturing.

AvantGuard

Grant in 2021
Our first product, HaloFilm turns any surface into an antimicrobial surface by holding chlorine from store-bought disinfectants on surfaces in a safe and effective manner for as long as a month. HaloFilm contains a novel polymer that when sprayed on creates a thin transparent film that binds to the surface and to chlorine, at levels equivalent to what you would find in a pool. Chlorine is a universally used as a disinfectant against bacteria, virus and fungi, but has a short effective life. We extend the lifetime and overall utility of chlorine to protect surfaces continuously. Our focus is on high touch surfaces in hospitals, mass transit systems, schools, and more; wherever pathogens spread and endanger human health.

HeXalayer

Grant in 2021
HeXalayer (based in Louisville, KY) has developed a new generation of high-capacity lithium-ion battery technology using a patent-pending innovative carbon material called IML Graphene. The nanomaterials-based technology significantly improves the capacity of rechargeable batteries.

Soctera

Grant in 2021
Manufacturer of aluminium nitride-based power amplifiers intended for next-generation communication performances in defence and telecommunications applications. The company offers aluminum and nitride-based power transistors with the ability to produce MW-frequency signals which also translates to an increase in the distance a wireless signal can travel, enabling clients to allow power operation at lower temperatures.

AMBOTS

Grant in 2021
AMBOTS Inc. is commercializing the patent-pending swarm 3D printing and assembly technologies. This technology aims to automate manufacturing with a swarm of smart and autonomous mobile robots, from everyday products to houses and infrastructures. Just like how a swarm of bees or wasps would work together to build their nests, the swarm of smart mobile robots can work together to print and assemble products based on digital models on demand. AMBOTS stands for Autonomous Mobile ROBOTS and Advanced Manufacturing ROBOTS.
NanoPattern Technologies is developing a photopatternable quantum dot formulation to enable the next generation of displays. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Biochip Labs

Grant in 2021
Biochip Labs, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, specializes in laboratory testing services for blood disorders, particularly sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The company offers a variety of proprietary microfluidic biomarker assays that assess blood cell adhesion, red blood cell deformability, whole blood rheology, and endothelialized microfluidics. These assays are designed to evaluate the efficacy of emerging targeted and curative therapies, allowing clinicians to effectively monitor patient responses to treatment. By focusing on accurate and high-quality testing, Biochip Labs aims to advance the understanding and management of blood disorders.

Chibitronics

Grant in 2021
Chibitronics specializes in the creation of circuit stickers that integrate electronics with art and craft. Founded by Jie Qi, along with collaborators Andrew Huang and Patricia Ng, the company emerged from Qi's PhD research at the MIT Media Lab. Chibitronics offers toolkits that allow users to build circuits and programs using peel-and-stick electronics, including conductive circuit stickers, coin cell batteries, and adhesive copper tape. This innovative approach enables artists, crafters, and students to explore their creativity while experiencing the functionality of lights and circuitry. By combining technology and artistic expression, Chibitronics aims to empower individuals to become creators in the field of expressive electronics.

Sequegenics

Grant in 2021
Developer of a novel approach augmented low-pass long-read NGS designed to facilitate the detection of complex genetic variation. The company's platform processes long-read ngs raw data DNA sequences, enabling clients to minimize time spent on variant calling and have resolved variants, with a reduction of cost, and improved tat and scalability.

TheraCea Pharma

Grant in 2021
TheraCea Pharma is a biotechnology company that develops precision medicine to help people with neurological disorders. TheraCea Pharma, a University of Arizona spin-off based in Tucson, developed and licensed radiochemistry technology that allows for high-efficiency and rapid fluorine-18 radiolabeling of biomolecules for clinical and research applications.

Quintessent

Grant in 2021
Quintessent Inc., founded in 2019 and based in Santa Barbara, California, specializes in the commercialization of quantum dot-based lasers and photonic integrated circuits. The company focuses on developing optical connectivity technology that enhances large-scale computing systems. By utilizing advanced semiconductor materials and innovative laser architectures, Quintessent's solutions facilitate the scaling of high-bandwidth communication channels within optical networks. This technology supports applications in optical networking, deep learning systems, and sensing, positioning Quintessent at the forefront of advancements in these critical areas.

Serinus Labs

Grant in 2021
Serinus Labs is a manufacturer of chip-scale silicon gas sensors for ultra-low power mobile applications.

Battery Streak

Grant in 2021
Battery Streak specializes in advanced battery technology that significantly reduces charging times for electronic devices. By utilizing nanostructured materials, the company has developed batteries that can charge in under 10 minutes and discharge high power while maintaining a longer lifespan compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of lithium-ion-powered devices but also minimizes heat generation during charging, contributing to improved safety and performance. As a result, Battery Streak's technology enables users to experience reduced downtime and increased productivity in their daily activities.

NanoSpy

Grant in 2021
NanoSpy, Inc. was founded in 2017 to establish the new state-of-the-art in rapid pathogen detection. Using proprietary and patent-pending technologies, we leverage our expertise in biomedical engineering, microbiology, nanomaterials, and mechanical engineering to dramatically simplify the detection process with a new paradigm in biosensor platforms. Sensitivity, specificity, and speed now are combined in one convenient test that delivers results fast! In 20 minutes, NanoSpy biosensors can detect a single targeted pathogen at 5 CFU/mL or less from common buffer samples taken right at the point of detection. No time-consuming enrichment process. No environmentally hazardous reagents. No laboratory requirements. Translation: No time wasted. No decisions delayed.

ZelosDx

Grant in 2021
Developer of neurodiagnostic technologies intended to commercialize blood testing products. The company provides critical data that can be useful in diagnosis, monitoring and assessing therapeutic responses that help to make discoveries for brain health and diseases, enabling pharmaceutical companies and researchers to drug discovery and conduct studies in brain disease.

NanoPharma Solutions

Grant in 2021
Nano PharmaSolutions improves the bioavailability of insoluble drugs using innovative, revolutionary nanoformulation. Nano PharmaSolutions offers a phase-transition technology platform that can reliably enhance the solubility of BCS 2 and BCS 4 APIs without the use of excipients (e.g. large volumes of volatile solvents) used in such processes as spray dry dispersion, hot-melt extrusion, and emulsification. Their patented technology platform deposits vaporized API onto the surface of a carrier molecule which is further processable into the full spectrum of existing dosage forms.

Ancilia Bio

Grant in 2021
Developer of virus-resistant live bacterial products designed to modulate the human microbiome. The company targets the viral components of the gut microbiome to treat disease and focus on healthy gut bacteria and their predatory phages to engineer resistant strains, and also develops a new class of live biotherapeutics, enabling medical science professionals to specifically target phages or viruses with a specific affinity for inducing lysis.

Novel Farms

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Novel Farms, Inc. specializes in the production of cell-based meat products aimed at ethical consumers. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, the company focuses on developing innovative 3D bioscaffolds that are cruelty-free, cost-effective, and customizable. These bioscaffolds facilitate the co-culturing of fat and muscle cells, essential for achieving the desired marbling and texture in cell-based meats. By leveraging synthetic biology, Novel Farms seeks to enhance the structure and flavor profiles of these products, ultimately aiming to recreate the taste and texture of traditional meats such as Jamon Iberico. The company's mission is to transform cell-based meat into a premium culinary experience for the next generation of conscious eaters while addressing key challenges in the cellular agriculture industry.

Inherent Targeting

Grant in 2021
Inherent Targeting develops fluorescent contrast agents that target nerves to improve surgical outcomes. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

Minnowtech

Grant in 2021
Minnowtech is an aquaculture technology company based in Baltimore, Maryland, focused on improving shrimp farming through innovative software solutions. The company has developed a non-invasive imaging platform that leverages artificial intelligence and image analysis to accurately estimate shrimp abundance and biomass in ponds. This technology allows shrimp farmers to optimize feeding regimes, enhance harvests, and manage risks associated with juvenile shrimp health. By addressing critical challenges in the aquaculture industry, such as the assessment of shrimp growth and optimal harvest times, Minnowtech aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers while contributing to global food security and the sustainability of marine environments.

Super.tech

Grant in 2021
Super.tech is a company that specializes in enhancing quantum computing by integrating software with hardware. Founded in 2020 by Pranav Gokhale and Fred Chong, Super.tech has developed a comprehensive quantum stack that addresses the challenges faced by quantum software developers. This innovative architecture allows software to be explicitly aware of the underlying quantum hardware, facilitating significant speed improvements for practical applications. By bridging the gap between quantum applications and hardware, Super.tech aims to advance the capabilities of quantum computing and support its practical implementation in various fields.

inSomaBio

Grant in 2021
Developer of recombinant protein-based materials designed to mimic those naturally found in this environment. The company's products have core protein biometrics composed of a simple modular design, translated into a system that forms fractal-like porous networks with material properties after injection and exposure to body heat, enabling medical researchers to get the required bio-compatible materials used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Eonix

Grant in 2021
Eonix is a manufacturer focused on developing semi-autonomous materials that streamline the design process for lithium-ion batteries. The company has introduced the ATLAS-system, an innovative research and development platform that significantly cuts down the time and costs associated with creating new materials. This system allows for the rapid design of drop-in compatible electrolyte solutions that enhance energy density and support higher voltage operations. By addressing specific challenges faced by electric vehicles, grid storage, and hybrid defense systems, Eonix aims to facilitate the adoption of clean technology and advance the performance of next-generation energy storage solutions.

Partillion Bioscience

Grant in 2021
Operator of a life science platform intended for democratizing advanced single-cell assays. The company's novel nano vial platform allows the rapid compartmentalization and analysis of millions of single cells to probe biological functions such as secreted proteins, enabling biotech labs and clients to develop higher-performing therapies for cancer, autoimmune conditions, and infectious diseases.

Nitricity

Grant in 2021
Nitricity is an energy company focused on developing a system for producing carbon-free fertilizer. Utilizing its innovative technology, the company generates ready-to-use nitrogen from air, water, and renewable electricity. Nitricity produces both nitric acid and ammonia, which can be utilized individually or combined to create ammonium nitrate fertilizer. This approach aims to provide farmers with effective products that minimize wasteful runoff, allow for precise application timing, and enhance nitrogen delivery globally. Through its sustainable practices, Nitricity seeks to support agricultural efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Amorphyx

Grant in 2021
Developer of quantum tunneling electronics designed to solve problems related to flat panel displays, sensors, and IoT. The company's technology utilizes amorphous metal electrodes to have uniform electric field control and eliminates semiconductors, relaxed design rules, and fundamentally faster conduction, enabling industries to ease the manufacturing process while improving switching speed.

Repela

Grant in 2021
Repela Tech is focused on commercializing an innovative, eco-friendly marine antifoulant designed to prevent biofouling on ships. The company has developed a groundbreaking antifouling coating that aims to match the performance of traditional copper-based paints while avoiding their toxic effects. Utilizing non-biocide marine coating technology, Repela offers a hydrogel coating and custom-engineered primer that effectively resist marine micro and macro-organisms, including Ulva zoospores, diatoms, and mussels. This approach provides clients with a safe and effective solution for maintaining the integrity and performance of their vessels in aquatic environments.

QDIR

Grant in 2021
QDIR is a nanomaterials company focused on the development of infrared detectors and imaging arrays for various applications, including industrial and defense sectors. By employing proprietary nanomaterial technology, QDIR aims to deliver high sensitivity and low noise in its products, resulting in enhanced imaging performance compared to conventional infrared detectors. The company's offerings cater to a diverse clientele, encompassing commercial, medical, industrial, and military customers.

Ballydel Technologies

Grant in 2021
Ballydel Technologies is a research and development company that specializes in material and technology solutions. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Newark, Delaware.

Notus Labs

Grant in 2021
Notus Labs specializes in developing wearable devices that enable individuals to monitor their health and performance in a remote and non-invasive manner. These devices provide a continuous and comprehensive summary of vital signs, which can help optimize medical triaging during instances of sudden physiological deterioration. By utilizing Notus Labs' technology, users can effectively mitigate the risks associated with overexertion injuries and heat-related illnesses. Additionally, the devices offer training suggestions to enhance physical performance, allowing users to maximize their growth while maintaining safety during physical activities.

SpheroFill

Grant in 2021
SpheroFill is a drug delivery platform that specializes in the development of injectable tissue fillers, particularly for treating age-related atrophy in the larynx. The company utilizes a unique combination of solid, hollow, and porous-wall hollow glass microspheres mixed with biocompatible and bioactive matrices. This innovative approach enhances the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in various forms, including solids, liquids, and gases. By improving compliance through reduced dosing frequency and enabling previously impossible oral formulations, SpheroFill is positioned as a leader in advancing drug delivery technology, offering healthcare professionals enhanced devices for more effective treatments.
Irradiant Technologies develops implosion fabrication lithography for chemically amplified high throughput micro-fabrication. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

InGateyGen

Grant in 2021
Operator of an agricultural biotechnology company committed to developing and producing allergen-free peanuts. The company develops its agricultural products using technology like genomics, proteomics, plant tissue culture and plant propagation, providing consumers with high-value agricultural products that enhance and save human lives.

AeroShield

Grant in 2021
AeroShield manufactures a super-insulating, nanoporous form of glass for energy efficient windows. The AeroShield material can be placed between two panes of glass, similar to a traditional double-pane, to create a product that is 50% more insulating than traditional windows, but with a payback period up to 5 times faster than windows of similar performance.

NellOne

Grant in 2021
NellOne Therapeutics, Inc. is a regenerative medicine company based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, focused on developing and commercializing protein therapeutics aimed at restoring cardiac muscle mass and function in patients recovering from myocardial infarction and congestive cardiac failure. Established in 2007 and spun out from the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, NellOne's foundation is rooted in research conducted by Dr. Cymbeline Culiat, who identified the therapeutic potential of the Nell1 gene pathway in tissue regeneration. The company’s primary goal is to translate scientific discoveries into clinical applications that improve recovery outcomes for individuals affected by heart conditions.

Syzygy Plasmonics

Grant in 2021
Syzygy Plasmonics is a developer of a photocatalytic reactor designed for fuel cell vehicles and small-scale industrial applications.The company's reactor is powered by light and operates at over 1,000°F lower temperature than conventional chemical reactor technology that helps in reducing maintenance costs and is able to start or stop production near instantaneously, enabling fuel cell vehicle companies to produce ultra-low-cost hydrogen gas on-site at customer locations.

CellDrop Biosciences

Grant in 2021
CellDrop Biosciences, established in 2017 and based in Laramie, Wyoming, specializes in hydrogel-based technology for point-of-care diagnostics and targeted biomaterial delivery. The company focuses on developing hydrogel platforms that enable precise control over chemical and biological systems. Its innovations aim to facilitate the healing of equine musculoskeletal injuries efficiently, while also minimizing the risk of re-injury. By providing effective diagnostic and treatment solutions, CellDrop Biosciences addresses critical needs within the veterinary medical community.

Carrisan Technologies

Grant in 2021
Carrisan Technologies is a food technology company established in 2019 and located in Davis, California. The company specializes in developing innovative antimicrobial solutions aimed at preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses and minimizing food losses. Its technology encompasses antimicrobial coatings for equipment surfaces, methods for biofilm removal, and sanitation processes for food production. Carrisan Technologies serves various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, and foodservice, providing effective measures to combat cross-contamination in these industries.

CelluDot

Grant in 2021
CelluDot is a biopolymer company that is working to solve the problem of agrochemical drift. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Phosio

Grant in 2021
Phosio serves the tech hardware industry with nano-imprintable high index optical materials for use in components such as Augmented Reality, OLED, micro-LED and more. Materials are only as good as they are manufacturable. We make transparent high refractive index, 1.6 < n < 2.4, solutions viable for mass production.

Sears Scientific

Grant in 2021
Sears Scientific specializes in developing innovative scientific equipment designed to enhance the usability and accessibility of tools used in research. By streamlining processes in fields such as microscopy and vacuum sciences, the company enables researchers to concentrate more on scientific discovery rather than the complexities of their instrumentation. Through its focus on improving the ease-of-use of scientific technologies, Sears Scientific aims to facilitate advancements in research and support the scientific community.

NALA Membranes

Grant in 2021
NALA Systems provides environmental services. New reverse osmosis membranes are what the industry has been waiting for. Reverse osmosis has been proven to be the most efficient way to purify water.

SiTration

Grant in 2021
SiTration, founded by Brendan Smith in 2020 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in the development of ultra-durable filtration membranes tailored for efficient separations in harsh environments. The company's innovative technology enhances energy efficiency in challenging industrial applications by integrating the low cost and exceptional durability of various advanced commercial membranes. This enables users to achieve resource-efficient operations even in demanding conditions, setting SiTration apart in the filtration industry.

Paramium Technologies

Grant in 2021
Paramium Technologies, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, specializes in the development of precise, freeform curved metal panels tailored for custom-shaped radio reflectors. The company employs advanced electromagnetic thermoforming technology, an energy-efficient method that combines localized induction heating with electromagnetic force to simultaneously heat and shape metal panels. This innovative approach allows Paramium Technologies to provide clients with high-performance solutions for long-range radars and antennas used in various research applications.

Ansa Biotechnologies

Grant in 2021
Ansa Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, focused on developing innovative DNA synthesis technology utilizing enzymes. Established in 2018, the company aims to improve upon traditional chemical methods of DNA synthesis that have remained largely unchanged for decades. Ansa's enzymatic approach offers significant advantages, including increased speed, accuracy, and cleanliness in the production of DNA fragments such as oligonucleotides. This technology enhances the capabilities of biological research, therapeutics, diagnostics, and biomanufacturing by enabling the synthesis of gene-length oligonucleotides. Through its advancements, Ansa Biotechnologies seeks to facilitate innovation in the fields of biological research and engineering, ultimately providing valuable services to medical researchers and contributing to the broader biotechnology landscape.

NLM Photonics

Grant in 2021
Nonlinear Materials Corp. is a developer of next-generation nano-scale photonics. Nonlinear Materials Corporation (NLM) has exclusively licensed proprietary materials and methods developed by University of Washington researchers to deliver “fiber-optic networks on a chip.”

Coreshell

Grant in 2021
Coreshell Technologies is accelerating the world’s transition to electric transportation and renewable energy by solving the key degradation issue in rechargeable batteries. Our breakthrough nanolayer thin-film coating technology protects batteries from degrading chemical reactions and is uniquely capable of seamlessly fitting into existing manufacturing while producing the step change needed in the capacity, safety, and cost of batteries.

Sunthetics

Grant in 2021
Sunthetics specializes in developing advanced electrochemical reactors that significantly enhance the efficiency of process chemists in the pharmaceutical industry. By utilizing smart electrochemical equipment and machine-learning software, Sunthetics enables the rapid development of lead molecules, reducing the typical process development time by 90%. This innovative approach not only cuts energy consumption by 40% but also eliminates the use of toxic chemicals and waste, promoting sustainability in chemical manufacturing. While the initial focus is on pharmaceuticals, the technology has the potential to expand into other sectors such as agrochemicals and specialty chemicals, positioning Sunthetics at the forefront of the electrification movement within the chemical industry.

DPX Technologies

Grant in 2021
DPX Technologies, founded in 2007 and based in Columbia, South Carolina, specializes in patented pipette tip technology aimed at enhancing the quality of products used in complex chemical and biological analyses. The company's innovative technology is designed for automated liquid handling systems, offering customizable solutions that simplify and automate intricate sample preparation processes. This enables scientists to efficiently implement automated solutions that can be tailored to various laboratory workflows and methods, thereby improving overall analytical performance in research and development settings.

Natrx

Grant in 2021
Natrx is an architectural platform founded in 2018 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, that focuses on integrating nature into infrastructure. The company offers geospatial software and advanced manufacturing solutions aimed at promoting a balance between the natural and built environments. Natrx's innovations are designed to meet the performance needs of large-scale public and private asset owners while delivering sustainable resilience and positive economic impact. By enabling builders, architects, and ecologists to collaborate, Natrx aims to enhance environmental outcomes in infrastructure development.

Hummingbird Nano

Grant in 2021
Hummingbird Nano is a company specializing in the development of ultra-smooth, circular channel microfluidic chips, produced in a single solid form. Their innovative technology allows for the creation of products that were previously unattainable with existing manufacturing methods, while also reducing costs for current high-priced products, making them more accessible. Hummingbird Nano's manufacturing approach combines the speed of injection molding with the flexibility of 3D printing, transforming the production process for small components like microfluidic chips and micro-optics. The company's focus is on precision engineering, enabling the assembly of micro-scale components into larger systems with nanometer-scale accuracy. This advancement aims to enhance chip performance and design flexibility, ultimately contributing to broader innovation and societal benefits.

Fluidion

Grant in 2021
fluidion™ aims to develop systems for sampling and analysis of water for a number of different markets: water quality in low pressure conditions (rivers, ponds, lakes, coastal waters), and monitoring in deep water (oceanography). fluidion™ pursues a strong R&D program in multiple areas, targeting both national and international development, collaborations and market growth. They continuously develop new tools for automated sampling in difficult environments, for sensitive water quality monitoring, and for high-resolution monitoring of the environment.

Nabla Bio

Grant in 2021
Nabla is an autoreverse platform that enables the rapid discovery of previously unattainable protein variants with supernatural qualities.Nabla Bio makes new medicines and improve nutrition by engineering novel proteins.

NeyroblastGX

Grant in 2021
NeyroblastGX is a biotechnology company established in 2020 and based in Murrieta, California, focused on developing theranostic products aimed at treating neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. The company’s product offerings include a blood-based biomarker diagnostic for Alzheimer's, genetically engineered dendritic cells designed to eliminate custom-made human organoids for drug screening, cellular toxicity assessment, and disease pathology. Additionally, NeyroblastGX develops an oral supplement intended to enhance protective immunity, providing patients with a comprehensive portfolio of diagnostics, drugs, and therapies to combat life-threatening conditions.

New Horizon Biotech

Grant in 2021
New Horizon Biotech specializes in biotechnology and biopharmaceutical products, focusing on optimizing supply chains and ensuring consistent quality globally at a reduced cost. The company is finalizing tests of its patented Single Use Horizontal Fermentor system (SUHF™), which is designed for single-use microbial fermentation. This innovative system is set to enhance production efficiencies and operational cost savings, offering significant advantages over traditional fermentor designs. By improving the microbial fermentation process, New Horizon Biotech aims to support the production of high-value biopharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins, thereby strengthening the global competitive edge of its clients.

SolMem

Grant in 2021
SolMem is a Houston-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in innovative water distillation technology designed for the desalination and purification of various water sources. Utilizing a nanotechnology-enabled photothermal membrane, SolMem's technology efficiently harnesses solar energy to convert sunlight into heat. This process is facilitated by a specialized nanocomposite coating that optimally absorbs sunlight, allowing the membrane surface to effectively treat a diverse array of unconventional water sources. Through its advancements, SolMem aims to provide sustainable water treatment solutions for communities and industries facing water scarcity challenges.

Natural Fiber Welding

Grant in 2021
Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of innovative fabrics and materials, utilizing technology that transforms plants and natural fibers into durable textiles and products. Founded in 2015 and based in Peoria, Illinois, the company focuses on harnessing renewable resources to create sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. By leveraging abundant local resources, Natural Fiber Welding aims to develop scalable solutions that are accessible to diverse communities, enhancing the quality and usability of their products while minimizing processing costs. The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation positions it as a leader in the movement toward environmentally friendly materials.
Vapor Cell Technologies, founded in 2020 and based in Boulder, Colorado, specializes in the development of ultra-compact vapor cells that achieve sub-nanometer precision in distance measurement. These innovative vapor cells convert lasers into wavelength standards, facilitating accurate measurements of length and optical frequency. By providing advanced sensing capabilities, the company supports various industries and laboratories in their efforts to advance atomic technology and enhance precision in scientific research and applications.

Nanoxort

Grant in 2021
Nanoxort, founded in 2018 and based in Auburn, Alabama, specializes in developing diffusive magnetic fractionation (DMF) technology that allows precise control over the properties of magnetic nanomaterials. This innovative technology is particularly significant in the healthcare sector, as it enhances contrast agent injections for patients undergoing MRI scans. By improving image resolution, Nanoxort's technology reduces the toxic effects associated with traditional MRI contrast agents, particularly gadolinium, which poses risks for individuals with compromised kidney function. Consequently, Nanoxort's advancements contribute to safer imaging practices, minimizing gadolinium exposure for patients who require frequent MRI procedures.

OmniVis

Grant in 2021
OmniVis operates a portable pathogen detection platform that allows for the rapid and accurate measurement of pathogens in various environments, particularly in food processing facilities. The company provides an easy-to-use hardware device in conjunction with disposable test kits that can analyze swabs or liquid samples. This streamlined process reduces the pathogen detection time to just 30 minutes, making it both efficient and cost-effective for health organizations. By focusing on user-friendly technology, OmniVis aims to enhance the accuracy of pathogen detection while ensuring affordability and simplicity in its application.

CytoRecovery

Grant in 2021
CytoRecovery, Inc. is a company specializing in the development of microfluidic technology aimed at recovering and analyzing subpopulations of cancer cells from tumor biopsies and other biological samples. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, CytoRecovery's innovative technology allows cell biologists and life science researchers to efficiently select and retrieve rare, homogeneous, and viable cell subpopulations from tissues and blood. The technology facilitates individual trapping and release of these rare cells, enabling more effective downstream analysis and enhancing research capabilities in cancer biology and related fields.

Oncospace

Grant in 2021
Oncospace is a medical device manufacturing company that specializes in radiation oncology. It features an AI-based platform that takes advantage of this knowledge to personalize each patient’s treatment, minimize side effects, and maintains the quality of life. The company was founded in 2019 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.

PainScan

Grant in 2021
PainScan specializes in developing biomedical devices aimed at measuring and mapping pain intensity on a three-dimensional (3D) image of the human body. The company's innovative medical device incorporates ultrathin pressure sensors embedded in a clinician's glove, along with cameras that track palpation locations. By integrating data from various subjective and objective biosensors, the device allows for a detailed assessment of pain intensity at each palpation site. This technology enables clinicians to visualize pain comprehensively within the peripheral nervous system, enhancing their ability to diagnose and treat pain-related conditions.

Ramona

Grant in 2021
Manufacturer of microscopy toolset intended to capture cellular-level detail over hundreds of square centimeters. The company's microscope uses custom-designed control electronics to deliver and process massive amounts of image data from a large array of micro-cameras, enabling companies to capture, analyze, and securely store tens of gigapixels of object-specific data with high throughput and improved analysis.

Silvec Biologics

Grant in 2021
Developer of RNA therapies designed to inoculate trees, vines, and bushes against diseases, eliminating the need for genetic modification. The company's RNA therapy includes introducing a virus like RNA bacterial inside the tree veins to destroy viral and fungal pathogens, enabling food growers to ensure abundant and diverse food supplies while protecting natural resources.

Molten Salt Solutions

Grant in 2021
Molten Salt Solutions develops a technology platform to commercialize molten salt synthesis and purification technology. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

BlueDot Photonics

Grant in 2021
BlueDot Photonics, Inc., based in Kirkland, Washington, specializes in the design, development, and production of solar panels and photonic devices. Founded in 2019, the company aims to significantly advance solar power deployment by reducing the cost of silicon solar panels by 10% while improving their efficiency by 16%. Additionally, BlueDot Photonics is focused on innovative manufacturing techniques to create flexible, lightweight solar modules with efficiencies exceeding 25%. By utilizing new semiconductor materials, the company enhances the performance and durability of solar panels, enabling customers to access affordable alternative energy solutions.

Avicena

Grant in 2021
Avicena specializes in developing advanced optical interconnectivity technology aimed at enhancing inter-chip communication. By leveraging innovations in silicon photonics and plasmonics, Avicena's solutions provide ultra-dense, low-latency, and low-cost optical interconnects that significantly improve system performance compared to traditional electrical interconnects. The company's platform allows for multi-chip connectivity, facilitating higher throughput and greater power efficiency, which helps clients reduce energy consumption while boosting overall system capabilities. Through these advancements, Avicena addresses critical needs in chip-to-chip interconnects, offering a transformative approach to modern computing challenges.

GeoMat

Grant in 2021
GeoMat is a nanotechnology company headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, that specializes in oil remediation. Founded in 2014, the company has developed a technology that utilizes nanoparticles and magnets to effectively separate oil from water mixtures. This innovative platform enables the removal of oil from both soil and water, allowing industries to clean major water bodies and natural resources. GeoMat's solutions aim to ensure the availability of drinkable and decontaminated water while also addressing the challenges posed by oil spills.

Novo Aero Technology

Grant in 2021
Novo Aero Technology, Inc. specializes in the development of Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, utilizing innovative aerospace technology. Founded in 2018 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company employs a lift-generating mechanism that features compact propellers positioned within ducts in the aircraft's fuselage. This design allows for a more efficient powertrain with fewer moving parts compared to traditional helicopter systems. By focusing on enhancing fuel efficiency and performance, Novo Aero Technology aims to provide significant advantages for helicopter and business jet manufacturers in the competitive aerospace market.

Inchfab

Grant in 2021
Inchfab specializes in custom microchip manufacturing, offering proprietary tools that cater to the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) market. The company's microfabrication platform enables clients to prototype and produce low volumes of highly customized microchips economically. By focusing on the semiconductor and micromechanical Internet of Things (IoT) chip markets, Inchfab provides essential manufacturing capabilities that facilitate the design and production of specialized devices.

Blueshift Optics

Grant in 2021
Blueshift Optics offers a versatile new organic scintillator that was developed to possess excellent neutron detection with high gamma discrimination for radiation detection applications.
Akanocure's mission is to synthesize and develop biotargeted anti-cancer chemotherapeutic drugs derived from natural sources. Akanocure's pipeline will consist of analogs of fully validated, highly potent anti-cancer natural products that can only be produced on a large scale through Akanocure's proprietary CCC synthesis platform. The company has competitive edges on two fronts: the synthesis platform that gives Akanocure exclusive access to rare compounds and the potential pipeline of anti-cancer products that are far superior to existing therapies.

BioAesthetics

Grant in 2021
BioAesthetics Corporation, founded in 2015 as a spin-out from Tulane University, specializes in developing innovative reconstruction solutions for breast cancer patients who have undergone mastectomies. The company's primary product is a tissue-engineered nipple-areolar complex (NAC), designed to facilitate the regeneration of the nipple and areola during the breast reconstruction phase. This biologically derived graft serves as an acellular, off-the-shelf option for plastic and reconstructive surgeons, allowing the patient's own cells to integrate and restore the NAC. Currently in the pre-clinical phase, this patent-pending technology aims to improve surgical outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients with incomplete or removed NACs due to disease, surgery, or birth defects. BioAesthetics is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Vaxess Technologies

Grant in 2021
Vaxess Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. It specializes in developing and commercializing silk biomaterial technologies aimed at improving vaccine delivery and storage. The company has created the MIMIX microneedle platform, which facilitates transdermal delivery of vaccines and therapies, and the MATRIX formulation and drying platform, which enhances the stability of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic products. By utilizing a silk-derived protein, Vaxess enables vaccines to be stored and transported without refrigeration, thereby reducing distribution costs and increasing access to essential healthcare products globally.
Ernest Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company based in Hadley, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. The company specializes in developing innovative bacterial therapeutics aimed at treating cancer. Its unique approach involves programming bacteria to deliver intracellular macromolecules directly into tumor tissues. These engineered bacteria are motile, allowing them to actively penetrate and target metastatic diseases and inoperable tumors. Through these advancements, Ernest Pharmaceuticals aims to enhance treatment options for patients facing challenging cancer diagnoses.
Developer of encapsulation technology-based drugs designed to use biologics, peptides, and RNA to treat disease. The company's technology addresses current issues with many biologics and peptide therapeutics, by protecting and delivering agents to their intended targets within the body, enabling patients with sustained delivery of peptide therapeutics using nano-composite microparticles.
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