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 Non-Profit

The Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) at the University of Arkansas is a new model of public research and economic development. It works with commercial, philanthropic, non-profit, and governmental organizations to deliver positive societal impact by bringing the discoveries of the future to the world in real-time.

Ocean

Grant in 2022
Eco-Shelter is a social enterprise founded in 2017 by Alexa Bednar, based in Seattle, Washington. The company focuses on providing safe and affordable roofing solutions for low-income households in India. It specializes in sustainable building materials, offering an eco-roof panel made from resin-coated bamboo mats. These panels are pressed and sealed to create a strong, lightweight, water-resistant, and flame-resistant roofing option. Through its innovative products, Eco-Shelter aims to improve living conditions for underprivileged communities by delivering accessible and environmentally friendly building solutions.

CodeCrew

Grant in 2021
CodeCrew empowers kids from underrepresented communities to be tech innovators and leaders through practical, hands-on computer science training. Today, they have multiple summer camps, multiple after-school programs, eight in-school electives programs, a young adult Code School, and a number of special events.

Jet-Set Offset

Grant in 2021
Jet-Set Offset is a donation-based carbon-offsetting tool for air travel, and a consumer-friendly alternative to the traditional carbon marketplace. Our site operates as a fundraising tool for environmental nonprofit organizations and facilitates automatic, mileage-based donations from travelers' flights. We've developed this approach to raise awareness of the environmental impact of air travel and inspire eco-conscious travelers and businesses to take action. Travelers and companies can subscribe to Jet-Set Offset and choose to support a nonprofit organization automatically with a one cent-per-mile donation every time they, or their employees, fly. Our nonprofit partners are working towards local climate solutions across the country, operating certified carbon offset and credit projects, as well as advocacy, education, renewable energy, reforestation, and/or conservation programs.

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.”

Impact Proteomics

Grant in 2021
Impact Proteomics, LLC specializes in protein sample preparation, offering a range of kits and reagents designed to produce contaminant-free samples. Founded in 2017 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company provides various products, including Universal Protein Extraction and Clean Kits for peptides, whole proteins, and immunoprecipitation, as well as Promtag Reversible Protein Tagging Agents and related accessories. By supplying tools for efficient protein handling, Impact Proteomics aims to enhance drug and biomarker discovery processes, allowing researchers to accelerate the development of therapeutics and diagnostics. The company's offerings are available for purchase online, reflecting its commitment to supporting the scientific community in advancing medical research.
Digital Harbor Foundation is comprised of people who love what they do and work hard day-in and day-out to make a difference in the lives of the youth they serve. They think hard about education, technology, and innovation, and work even harder to overcome the socio-economic barriers that impede forward progress for too many. They are not perfect but they care about their work and give it everything they have every day.

Unlocked Labs

Grant in 2020
Solving gout using engineered probiotics

AgThera Inc.

Grant in 2020
General Probiotics (GP) is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes a new class of antimicrobial medicines for infectious diseases. GP engineers are world leaders in advanced probiotics. GP probiotics are tailored to eliminate pathogens effectively and reliably. GP has been awarded Small Business Innovative Research grants by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Agriculture to pursue an unparalleled, AI-enabled R&D program.

Unlocked Labs

Grant in 2020
Solving gout using engineered probiotics

Impactivo Consulting

Grant in 2020
Impactivo is a social impact consulting firm that specializes in the field of health and healthcare, childhood and education and philanthropy. They produce solutions that translate research and policy to action and build systemic, operational and strategic funding capacity. Impactivo offers a wide array of services in Strategic Funding, Financial Sustainability, and Program Management to support leaders at the forefront of social innovation in making strategy and organization decisions that lead to exceptional results. They are dedicated to the development of positions that improve the health status, educational attainment, and general wellbeing of the people of people who live in Puerto Rico and abroad.

MathBRIX

Grant in 2019
MathBRIX is a for-profit EdTech business, with initial support from the National Science Foundation Small Business Research Program (NSF/SBIR). The venture is developing a SaaS math program for children 3-8, which emphasizes higher-order thinking skills and concept acquisition. Children are guided through visual puzzles and games designed to help them see the big ideas behind math, rather than memorize facts. Virtual toy building bricks take the place of traditional manipulatives, with studs on the surface representing numeric value. The platform adjusts to each child's level and comes with a suite of analytics that track learning outcomes. Off computer hands-on projects further extend learning. The MathBRIX mission is to create new learning technologies that will make a significant social and economic impact over time. For the US to remain a world economic leader, all children must be able to think mathematically and problem-solve. Children behind in kindergarten, often stay behind through the remaining school years. Only 40% of U.S. fourth grade students are deemed proficient on national math assessments. Early intervention is key. The visual strategies are derived from the federally-funded Comprehensive School Mathematics Program. Twenty years of research found CSMP students had greater ability to solve novel math problems. CSMP was effective with the gifted as well as the learning challenged. MathBRIX testing with over 500 students confirms high student engagement, feasibility, promise of learning. A larger test is underway in 34 districts nation-wide. In 2018, pre-school and parent education components will be developed with the Parents as Teachers National Center.

Ocean

Grant in 2019
Eco-Shelter is a social enterprise founded in 2017 by Alexa Bednar, based in Seattle, Washington. The company focuses on providing safe and affordable roofing solutions for low-income households in India. It specializes in sustainable building materials, offering an eco-roof panel made from resin-coated bamboo mats. These panels are pressed and sealed to create a strong, lightweight, water-resistant, and flame-resistant roofing option. Through its innovative products, Eco-Shelter aims to improve living conditions for underprivileged communities by delivering accessible and environmentally friendly building solutions.

Camerad Technologies

Grant in 2019
This organization primarily operates in the Diagnostic Apparatus, Medical business / industry within the Measuring, Photographic, Medical, & Optical Goods, & Clocks sector. This organization has been operating for approximately a year.
Arizona State University creates an institution that is committed to excellence, access and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.

Central Inventions

Grant in 2019
Central Inventions brings powerful engineering techniques to the classrooms and machine shops where future engineers learn. Comprised of both engineers and teachers, the organization wants all students to have equal access to technology, starting with critical math and science literacy topics. Central Inventions also seeks to helps students see and understand the power of engineering to solve complex problems via actionable solutions.

Impact Proteomics

Grant in 2019
Impact Proteomics, LLC specializes in protein sample preparation, offering a range of kits and reagents designed to produce contaminant-free samples. Founded in 2017 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company provides various products, including Universal Protein Extraction and Clean Kits for peptides, whole proteins, and immunoprecipitation, as well as Promtag Reversible Protein Tagging Agents and related accessories. By supplying tools for efficient protein handling, Impact Proteomics aims to enhance drug and biomarker discovery processes, allowing researchers to accelerate the development of therapeutics and diagnostics. The company's offerings are available for purchase online, reflecting its commitment to supporting the scientific community in advancing medical research.

The Local Crowd

Grant in 2018
The Local Crowd

BE MORE with Anu

Grant in 2018
BE MORE with Anu helps people and organizations maximize performance, increase profits, reduce wasted costs and meet diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals and aspirations.

Digital Promise

Grant in 2018
Digital Promise provides support to advance technologies that can transform teaching and learning. It is a non-profit organization originated by the U.S. Congress as part of the 2008 re-authorization of the higher education opportunity act. Digital Promise was founded in 2011 and is based in Washington, District of Columbia.

Impactivo Consulting

Grant in 2017
Impactivo is a social impact consulting firm that specializes in the field of health and healthcare, childhood and education and philanthropy. They produce solutions that translate research and policy to action and build systemic, operational and strategic funding capacity. Impactivo offers a wide array of services in Strategic Funding, Financial Sustainability, and Program Management to support leaders at the forefront of social innovation in making strategy and organization decisions that lead to exceptional results. They are dedicated to the development of positions that improve the health status, educational attainment, and general wellbeing of the people of people who live in Puerto Rico and abroad.

AgThera Inc.

Grant in 2017
General Probiotics (GP) is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes a new class of antimicrobial medicines for infectious diseases. GP engineers are world leaders in advanced probiotics. GP probiotics are tailored to eliminate pathogens effectively and reliably. GP has been awarded Small Business Innovative Research grants by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Agriculture to pursue an unparalleled, AI-enabled R&D program.

TeraProbes

Grant in 2017
TeraProbes specializes in fully automated non-contact on-wafer probing systems. The company was founded in 2014 as a result of our research at The Ohio State University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. We believe that our non-contact probing technology can help alleviate the pains associated with contact probe wear and tear, contact repeatability, and the extremely high hardware and operation costs associated with the on-wafer device and IC characterization in the high-speed electronics industry.

DuKorp Studio

Grant in 2017
DuKorp Corp

Camerad Technologies

Grant in 2016
This organization primarily operates in the Diagnostic Apparatus, Medical business / industry within the Measuring, Photographic, Medical, & Optical Goods, & Clocks sector. This organization has been operating for approximately a year.
International Patient Simulator Company

Strange Loop Games

Grant in 2016
Owner and operator of a gaming studio for developing educational games. The company owns and operates a gaming studio that specializes in developing multiplayer games where users aim at winning points and rewards by saving a virtual ecosystem, thereby teaching children the value of community and nature.
The Berkeley Engineering Fund supports the University of California, Berkeley's College of Engineering by providing financial resources that enhance research, education, and student development. Established in 1931, the College of Engineering offers a diverse array of academic programs encompassing engineering, science, social sciences, arts, and humanities. The Fund plays a crucial role in facilitating various initiatives, including courses, lectures, and special events aimed at fostering public discourse and educating future leaders. Additionally, it offers essential services for students, such as academic advising, tutoring, career development opportunities, and guidance on degree requirements. Through its contributions, the Berkeley Engineering Fund enriches the educational experience and supports the advancement of engineering and related disciplines at UC Berkeley.

AgThera Inc.

Grant in 2016
General Probiotics (GP) is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes a new class of antimicrobial medicines for infectious diseases. GP engineers are world leaders in advanced probiotics. GP probiotics are tailored to eliminate pathogens effectively and reliably. GP has been awarded Small Business Innovative Research grants by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Agriculture to pursue an unparalleled, AI-enabled R&D program.

Uncopiers, Inc.

Grant in 2016
Uncopiers, Inc. is dedicated to developing environmentally responsible solutions to critical problems using its liquid fracture technology. Liquid fracture is a unique way of controlling and concentrating energy at nanometer length scales. One only needs silent sound and clean water to implement this chemical free, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient processing technique.

BioProtonics

Grant in 2015
BioProtonics, Inc. specializes in the development of diagnostic equipment that detects ultra-fine tissue changes, which are critical indicators of early disease onset. The company's flagship product, µTexture, utilizes magnetic resonance technology to provide non-invasive measurements of these subtle tissue alterations. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, BioProtonics aims to enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions by offering healthcare professionals precise tools for monitoring disease progression. Through its innovative approach, the company seeks to improve patient outcomes by facilitating timely and targeted treatment strategies.
The Center for Open Science (COS) is a non-profit startup building free tools for open scientific practices, including its flagship infrastructure The Open Science Framework (osf.io).
The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing engineering and engineering technology education globally. It develops policies and programs aimed at improving professional opportunities for engineering faculty while promoting student enrollments in engineering disciplines. ASEE organizes conferences, workshops, and information sessions to raise awareness about the importance of engineering education. The organization offers a range of educational programs for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral students, along with scholarships, internships, memberships, and fellowships. Additionally, ASEE produces numerous publications focused on engineering education, including the monthly magazine Prism and academic journals like the Journal of Engineering Education and Advances in Engineering Education. Through its efforts, ASEE seeks to advance the teaching and learning processes in engineering and related fields, ultimately fostering the development of knowledge and skills in aspiring engineers.

US Ignite

Grant in 2015
US Ignite develops next-generation applications that help developers, communities, and individuals that provide transformative public benefit. The company was founded by Glenn Ricart and Joe Kochan in November 2011 and is based in Washington, D.C.
The Center for Open Science (COS) is a non-profit startup building free tools for open scientific practices, including its flagship infrastructure The Open Science Framework (osf.io).
The Center for Open Science (COS) is a non-profit startup building free tools for open scientific practices, including its flagship infrastructure The Open Science Framework (osf.io).
The Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) opens doors. They connect entrepreneurs to a network of peers and mentors, startup funding opportunities, and hands-on training. A nonprofit, membership-driven organization with a 23-year track record, OEN is the heart of their entrepreneurial community. Their mission is to drive innovation, facilitate job creation, and put Oregon on the map as a center for entrepreneurial excellence.

Purdue Research Park

Grant in 2013
Purdue Research Park is dedicated to fostering innovation and economic development in alignment with Purdue University's strategic goals. The Purdue Research Foundation, which manages the park, focuses on advancing discovery and learning through effective stewardship of resources. It supports technology transfer, oversees intellectual property management, and engages in real estate and financial asset development. The park provides valuable business incubation services and networking opportunities, including events such as "Party in the Park," seminars, and entrepreneurship academies. Additionally, it distributes an e-newsletter, Innovation Express, to keep stakeholders informed about developments and milestones within the park. Tenants benefit from a range of low-cost or complimentary services designed to enhance their business prospects.

Dynamic Ideas

Grant in 2013
Dynamic Ideas’ mission is to publish scientific books that have quality and originality in the areas of Applied Mathematics, Operations.

The Fred Rogers

Grant in 2013
Founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 (as Family Communications, Inc.) to produce "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" and other materials for children and families. This past year we changed our name to The Fred Rogers Company. We're proud to be building on Fred's legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media, and engaging new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom.
Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit organization focused on designing, delivering, and evaluating innovative programs aimed at tackling critical challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. By collaborating with public and private partners, EDC seeks to enhance educational outcomes, promote health and wellness, prepare the workforce, and foster civic engagement. Through its comprehensive approach, EDC addresses urgent societal needs by leveraging the strengths of individuals and systems to create sustainable impact in communities worldwide.

MassChallenge

Grant in 2013
MassChallenge is a non-profit startup accelerator dedicated to supporting promising startups across various industries worldwide without taking equity. With locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, it offers expert mentorship, tailored curricula, and access to corporate partners, along with significant cash prizes for top startups. The organization fosters economic growth through programs like Bridge to MassChallenge in multiple countries and initiatives such as PULSE@MassChallenge, which focuses on digital health innovation. Additionally, MassChallenge has specialized programs like MassChallenge FinTech and MassChallenge HealthTech, designed to create partnerships between startups and established enterprises to drive innovation in financial services and digital health, respectively. To date, MassChallenge alumni have collectively raised over $2 billion in funding, generated approximately $900 million in revenue, and created over 65,000 jobs, underscoring its impact on the global innovation ecosystem.

SDIT Pro

Grant in 2012
SDIT Pro is an IT service and consulting firm that provides multiple services for its clients. SDIT Pro delivers services such as business IT support, network design, server design, business phone systems, IP cameras, home automation, and commercial and residential audio/video. SDIT Pro was established in San Diego, California.

Nanopareil

Grant in 2012
Nanopareil, LLC produces separation modules composed of functionalized nanofibers. The company serves biopharmaceutical, biofuel, and water purification industries. Nanopareil, LLC was formerly known as Nanofiber Separations, LLC and changed its name to Nanopareil, LLC in July, 2015. The company was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. As of September 30, 2020, Nanopareil, LLC operates as a subsidiary of ProMetic BioSciences Ltd..

Uncopiers, Inc.

Grant in 2011
Uncopiers, Inc. is dedicated to developing environmentally responsible solutions to critical problems using its liquid fracture technology. Liquid fracture is a unique way of controlling and concentrating energy at nanometer length scales. One only needs silent sound and clean water to implement this chemical free, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient processing technique.
Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit organization focused on designing, delivering, and evaluating innovative programs aimed at tackling critical challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. By collaborating with public and private partners, EDC seeks to enhance educational outcomes, promote health and wellness, prepare the workforce, and foster civic engagement. Through its comprehensive approach, EDC addresses urgent societal needs by leveraging the strengths of individuals and systems to create sustainable impact in communities worldwide.
DVIRC is a leading private, non-profit economic development organization established in 1988 to serve the needs of nearly 5,000 Small to Midsized advanced manufacturing Enterprises (SME) in five counties throughout the Philadelphia region. The organization's primary focus is to grow business value for clients through consulting services, talent development and regional, state and federal resource assistance, helping to establish the region as an internationally recognized leader in manufacturing competitiveness. We believe growing business value improves the standard of living and quality of life for those that live and/or work in the region. A diverse board of directors comprised of executives from the manufacturing, banking, legal and economic development communities govern the DVIRC.

Uncopiers, Inc.

Grant in 2010
Uncopiers, Inc. is dedicated to developing environmentally responsible solutions to critical problems using its liquid fracture technology. Liquid fracture is a unique way of controlling and concentrating energy at nanometer length scales. One only needs silent sound and clean water to implement this chemical free, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient processing technique.

Uncopiers, Inc.

Grant in 2009
Uncopiers, Inc. is dedicated to developing environmentally responsible solutions to critical problems using its liquid fracture technology. Liquid fracture is a unique way of controlling and concentrating energy at nanometer length scales. One only needs silent sound and clean water to implement this chemical free, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient processing technique.

Uncopiers, Inc.

Grant in 2007
Uncopiers, Inc. is dedicated to developing environmentally responsible solutions to critical problems using its liquid fracture technology. Liquid fracture is a unique way of controlling and concentrating energy at nanometer length scales. One only needs silent sound and clean water to implement this chemical free, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient processing technique.

Uncopiers, Inc.

Grant in 2006
Uncopiers, Inc. is dedicated to developing environmentally responsible solutions to critical problems using its liquid fracture technology. Liquid fracture is a unique way of controlling and concentrating energy at nanometer length scales. One only needs silent sound and clean water to implement this chemical free, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient processing technique.

Uncopiers, Inc.

Grant in 2005
Uncopiers, Inc. is dedicated to developing environmentally responsible solutions to critical problems using its liquid fracture technology. Liquid fracture is a unique way of controlling and concentrating energy at nanometer length scales. One only needs silent sound and clean water to implement this chemical free, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient processing technique.

Uncopiers, Inc.

Grant in 2004
Uncopiers, Inc. is dedicated to developing environmentally responsible solutions to critical problems using its liquid fracture technology. Liquid fracture is a unique way of controlling and concentrating energy at nanometer length scales. One only needs silent sound and clean water to implement this chemical free, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient processing technique.

Uncopiers, Inc.

Grant in 2002
Uncopiers, Inc. is dedicated to developing environmentally responsible solutions to critical problems using its liquid fracture technology. Liquid fracture is a unique way of controlling and concentrating energy at nanometer length scales. One only needs silent sound and clean water to implement this chemical free, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient processing technique.

Uncopiers, Inc.

Grant in 2001
Uncopiers, Inc. is dedicated to developing environmentally responsible solutions to critical problems using its liquid fracture technology. Liquid fracture is a unique way of controlling and concentrating energy at nanometer length scales. One only needs silent sound and clean water to implement this chemical free, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient processing technique.
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