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 Networking

Beamlink

Grant in 2022
Beamlink builds last mile cell networks, decreasing disaster zone network downtimes from months to a matter of days and providing rural clinics and refugee camps better access to healthtech and education

SkyGig

Grant in 2022
SkyGig is a communication technology company that specializes in millimeter-wave wireless communications. The company is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Cambrian Works

Grant in 2021
Cambrian Works is a space technology development firm focused on advancing fault-tolerant communications networks for both Earth and lunar constellations. The company specializes in creating hardware and software solutions that serve as a space network provider, enabling flexible connectivity to meet diverse client requirements. Its technologies are designed to facilitate low-latency and secure communication, allowing clients to efficiently implement networks that connect to bus processors and manage cross-link and downlink communications terminals. Cambrian Works can operate as a standalone software package on satellite processors or be integrated into the GigRouter for enhanced connectivity and routing capabilities.

Emanate Wireless

Grant in 2020
Emanate Wireless builds solutions that continuously monitor the operation and productivity of key clinical assets at healthcare facilities. The management of clinical assets that are constantly moving and/or in use can be chaotic. Optimizing this process is key to enhancing productivity and reducing staff stress.

Qunnect

Grant in 2020
Qunnect, LLC is a technology company based in Stony Brook, New York, specializing in the development of light-based modular devices designed for transmitting, storing, and receiving encrypted information. Founded in 2017 as a spin-off from the Quantum Information Technology group at Stony Brook University, Qunnect focuses on creating advanced quantum devices that leverage principles of quantum physics to facilitate ultra-secure networks. These devices ensure that any observation of data is detected by the sender or recipient, enhancing cybersecurity. The company's offerings include solutions in quantum computing, quantum sensors, quantum cryptography, and quantum networks, among others. By engineering novel quantum memories and sources, Qunnect aims to revolutionize information networks and quantum computing, contributing to the evolution of cybersecurity into real-time threat detection systems.

ChameleonCloud

Grant in 2020
Cloud services have become ubiquitous to all major 21st century economic activities. However, cloud services and technologies can be significantly more powerful than they are now. A persistent barrier to further advancement has been the lack of a large-scale and open cloud research platforms. With funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Chameleon project will provide such a large-scale platform to the open research community allowing them explore transformative concepts in deeply programmable cloud services, design, and core technologies. Chameleon will allow users to explore problems ranging from the creation of Software as a Service to kernel support for virtualization. This broad range of supported research includes many other areas such as developing Platforms as a Service, creating new and optimizing existing Infrastructure as a Service components, investigating software-defined networking, and optimizing virtualization technologies. The Chameleon testbed, will be deployed at the University of Chicago and the Texas Advanced Computing Center and will consist of 650 multi-core cloud nodes, 5PB of total disk space, and leverage 100 Gbps connection between the sites. While a large part of the testbed will consist of homogenous hardware to support large-scale experiments, a portion of it will support heterogeneous units allowing experimentation with high-memory, large-disk, low-power, GPU, and co-processor units. The project will also leverage existing FutureGrid hardware at the University of Chicago and the Texas Advanced Computing Center in its first year to provide a transition period for the existing FutureGrid community of experimental users. To support the broad range of experiments experiments described above, the project will support a graduated configuration system allowing full user configurability of the software stack, from provisioning of bare metal and network interconnects to delivery of fully functioning cloud environments. A special feature of Chameleon is that it provides for an exceptionally close integration of clouds and networks, which substantially enhances the capabilities of both. In addition, to facilitate experiments, Chameleon will support a set of services designed to meet researchers needs, including support for experimental management, reproducibility, and repositories of trace and workload data of production cloud workloads. The project is led by the Computation Institute at the University of Chicago and partners from the Texas Advanced Computing Center at the University of Texas at Austin, the International Center for Advanced Internet Research at Northwestern University, the Ohio State University, and University of Texas at San Antonio, comprising a highly qualified and experienced team. The team includes members from the NSF supported FutureGrid project and from the GENI community, both forerunners of the NSFCloud solicitation under which this project is funded. Chameleon will also form a set of partnerships with commercial and academic clouds, such as Rackspace, CERN and Open Science Data Cloud (OSDC), and will partner with other testbeds, notably GENI and INRIA's Grid'5000 testbed.

SkyGig

Grant in 2020
SkyGig is a communication technology company that specializes in millimeter-wave wireless communications. The company is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Curated Networks

Grant in 2020
Curated Networks develops a disruptive link-layer/network layer routing and forwarding paradigm. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California.

Trusted CI

Grant in 2019
Trusted CI is to lead in the development of an NSF Cybersecurity Ecosystem with the workforce, knowledge, processes, and cyberinfrastructure that enables trustworthy science and NSF’s vision of a nation that is a global leader in research and innovation. Are you an NSF project in need of cybersecurity

SkyGig

Grant in 2019
SkyGig is a communication technology company that specializes in millimeter-wave wireless communications. The company is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

inFocus Networks

Grant in 2019
inFocus Networks develops high-bandwidth network fabrics that enable networked systems through novel photonic technologies. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in San Diego, California.

Mesh++

Grant in 2019
Mesh++ is a developer of solar-powered wireless communication technologies aimed at providing high-speed WiFi access in public spaces and remote areas. The company specializes in solar-powered routers that leverage mobile processing power to deliver reliable internet connectivity outdoors. By focusing on sustainable solutions, Mesh++ enables users to access high-speed internet at a low cost, enhancing connectivity in environments where traditional infrastructure may be lacking.

Norwich University

Grant in 2018
Norwich University is a nonprofit educational institution located in Northfield, Vermont, founded in 1819. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields such as Architecture, Computer Science, Engineering, Pre-Law, and Pre-Medicine. The university is notable for its ROTC program, which trains cadets while also accommodating non-cadets who seek high-quality education. Graduate degrees are predominantly delivered online, with options available in Diplomacy, Education, Military History, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, and Nursing. Norwich employs an experiential learning model that integrates practical and theoretical approaches to education, enhancing knowledge retention. The university provides various financial aid opportunities, including loans, grants, and scholarships, particularly benefitting current and former military personnel. Admission requirements include submission of an application, a personal statement, transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, which are strongly encouraged.

Jeeva

Grant in 2018
Jeeva Wireless Inc. is a Seattle-based company that specializes in developing transmission devices utilizing Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and Bluetooth technologies. Incorporated in 2015, Jeeva focuses on enhancing internet connectivity for a wide range of devices, aiming to support the growing demand for connectivity solutions among the next billion users. Through its innovative products, the company addresses the challenges of connecting more devices in an increasingly digital world.
The National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) offers high-performance computing resources and expert assistance to scientists and engineers. It facilitates advanced research by providing access to cutting-edge computational tools and technologies, enabling users to tackle complex scientific and engineering challenges. NCSA’s mission is to empower researchers across various disciplines by enhancing their ability to process and analyze large datasets, thereby fostering innovation and discovery in fields such as climate science, biology, and materials science. Through its services, NCSA plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and supporting the development of new methodologies in computational research.

Intentionet

Grant in 2017
Intentionet is a developer of management software that specializes in analyzing network configurations to identify and rectify errors. The company's software automates the testing of changes within both on-premises and cloud-based networks, proactively addressing potential issues that could lead to outages or security breaches. By providing clients with enhanced visibility into their network's security posture and connectivity, Intentionet facilitates rapid deployment and ongoing maintenance of network systems without the risk of service interruptions or compliance violations.

Resensys

Grant in 2017
Resensys specializes in structural health monitoring solutions utilizing its advanced wireless Internet of Things (IoT) sensor technology, known as SenSpot. This technology enables high-performance data acquisition with minimal power consumption, exemplified by its wireless strain gauge sensor, which can capture up to 100 strain samples per second while lasting up to ten years on a single battery. In addition to strain measurement, SenSpot sensors are designed to monitor various structural parameters, including vibration, tilt, inclination, temperature, and humidity. By providing real-time data on these critical metrics, SenSpot sensors offer essential insights for detecting overstrain, metal fatigue, crack formation, and foundation instability, thereby supporting infrastructure systems such as bridges, buildings, and pipelines in maintaining their structural integrity.

The Samraksh

Grant in 2016
The Samraksh is a wireless sensor network expertise with innovative research into the hardware, software and algorithmic issues.

RF Pixels

Series A in 2016
RF Pixels is a technology company that provides next generation wireless solutions, enabling 5G.

Intentionet

Grant in 2016
Intentionet is a developer of management software that specializes in analyzing network configurations to identify and rectify errors. The company's software automates the testing of changes within both on-premises and cloud-based networks, proactively addressing potential issues that could lead to outages or security breaches. By providing clients with enhanced visibility into their network's security posture and connectivity, Intentionet facilitates rapid deployment and ongoing maintenance of network systems without the risk of service interruptions or compliance violations.

Mode

Grant in 2016
Mode is a technology company based in San Francisco that specializes in software-defined networking services. It operates the Mode Core, a high-performance software-defined core network (SD-CORE) that utilizes a real-time network control breakthrough. This network enhances enterprise wide area networks (WANs) by delivering reliable connectivity and enabling cloud access, unified communications, and ultra-low latency applications. Mode's solutions cater to remote offices, mobile users, and data centers, allowing for improved network performance and efficiency. Co-founded by two Cornell computer scientists, Mode has been recognized for its innovative routing system, Mode HALO, which optimizes network traffic. The company has garnered support from prominent investors, including Google Ventures and the National Science Foundation.

OceanComm

Grant in 2016
OceanComm, Inc. develops a wireless underwater modem which enables wireless video streaming underwater and wireless remote control of underwater vehicles. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Shoelace Wireless

Grant in 2015
Shoelace Wireless. Boosting Mobile Internet Speed, Reliability and Security

Network Perception

Grant in 2015
Network Perception is providing a pioneering network device configuration analysis software to visualize and manage their network. The company delivers a pioneering solution that enables corporate compliance and cybersecurity managers to gain a complete view of their network security and to immediately determine if its configuration is in alignment with best practices and regulatory standards Network Perception was launched in 2014 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Research Park.

VLNcomm

Grant in 2015
VLNComm is a prominent company specializing in Visible Light Communication (VLC), commonly known as Li-Fi technology. This innovative approach allows for wireless data transmission by utilizing optical energy, combining illumination and data services simultaneously. VLNComm's systems are designed to enhance internet speeds in multiuser indoor environments, leveraging the broad bandwidth of visible light. Additionally, the technology supports location-based services, functioning as an indoor GPS that accurately estimates user positions. By promoting eco-friendly lighting solutions that serve dual purposes, VLNComm aims to advance alternative data communication techniques and improve connectivity for various applications.

Resensys

Grant in 2015
Resensys specializes in structural health monitoring solutions utilizing its advanced wireless Internet of Things (IoT) sensor technology, known as SenSpot. This technology enables high-performance data acquisition with minimal power consumption, exemplified by its wireless strain gauge sensor, which can capture up to 100 strain samples per second while lasting up to ten years on a single battery. In addition to strain measurement, SenSpot sensors are designed to monitor various structural parameters, including vibration, tilt, inclination, temperature, and humidity. By providing real-time data on these critical metrics, SenSpot sensors offer essential insights for detecting overstrain, metal fatigue, crack formation, and foundation instability, thereby supporting infrastructure systems such as bridges, buildings, and pipelines in maintaining their structural integrity.

OceanComm

Grant in 2014
OceanComm, Inc. develops a wireless underwater modem which enables wireless video streaming underwater and wireless remote control of underwater vehicles. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Network Perception

Grant in 2014
Network Perception is providing a pioneering network device configuration analysis software to visualize and manage their network. The company delivers a pioneering solution that enables corporate compliance and cybersecurity managers to gain a complete view of their network security and to immediately determine if its configuration is in alignment with best practices and regulatory standards Network Perception was launched in 2014 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Research Park.

Impulse Network

Grant in 2014
Impulse Network is a developer of a trusted computing platform that focuses on secure and efficient data management. The company integrates advanced technologies such as privacy computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence to offer solutions that ensure reliable and private data exchanges. Its cloud platform supports distributed computing, allowing enterprises to engage in joint data processing, multi-party data modeling, and secure storage. Impulse Network also facilitates trusted supply chain finance and cross-chain services, promoting safe and collaborative data circulation among various organizations. By leveraging these technologies, Impulse Network aims to establish a robust infrastructure for Web3.0, emphasizing privacy, security, and decentralization in data operations.

Observable Networks

Grant in 2014
Observable offers Network Security-as-a-Service providing automated security analytics and modeling to continuously analyze the behavior of all network devices. Observable Networks, the Clayton-based network security startup.

netBlazr

Grant in 2014
netBlazr provides affordable, high-speed internet to residences and businesses as an alternative to the "big guys" that force people into high-cost service bundles for things they don't want. It was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Cloudflare

Grant in 2013
Cloudflare is a computer service provider and network security company that protects and accelerates the Internet application development.

Shoelace Wireless

Grant in 2013
Shoelace Wireless. Boosting Mobile Internet Speed, Reliability and Security

netBlazr

Grant in 2012
netBlazr provides affordable, high-speed internet to residences and businesses as an alternative to the "big guys" that force people into high-cost service bundles for things they don't want. It was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Observable Networks

Grant in 2012
Observable offers Network Security-as-a-Service providing automated security analytics and modeling to continuously analyze the behavior of all network devices. Observable Networks, the Clayton-based network security startup.

Hitron Technologies

Grant in 2012
Hitron Technologies Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the development, manufacture, and sale of broadband equipment products in Taiwan. The company offers data over cable interface specification (DOCSIS) products to MSOs, which support residential and business class applications. It also provides cable CPE products for various requirements, including compact high speed data, PacketCable-based voice, wireless gateway, and multimedia voice gateway. In addition, the company offers MoCA / WiFi extenders; and Wireless DOCSIS Probe, a troubleshooting tool that provides various tests required to measure DOCSIS and DVB-C networking environments. Further, it provides investment services and automotive electronics products; develops and sells auto parts; and produces and sells wireless and telecom products. Additionally, the company offers research, maintenance, technical consulting, and after services of electronic and telecom products. It also exports products to the America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan.

Carley Technologies

Grant in 2012
CarleyTech specializes in social network analysis through analyzing dynamic meta-networks. CarleyTech provides social network strategies alongside communication networks and wireless network communicators. CarleyTech was established in 2007 in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.
Whisper Communications is an Atlanta-based company that specializes in wireless networking services, leveraging innovative physical layer security technologies. Utilizing a patent-pending encoding methodology developed from research at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Whisper's technology ensures that data signals transmitted beyond its designated "cone of silence" are rendered meaningless to potential eavesdroppers. This approach allows IT companies to effectively monitor, track, and control devices located in fixed environments, enhancing data security by linking it to proximity to the data source. Whisper Communications aims to provide robust solutions that address the growing need for secure wireless communication in various sectors.
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