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 SME

SIEV

Grant in 2021
SIEV Technologies, founded in 2020 and based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, specializes in catalytic membrane technology aimed at transforming biomass waste into valuable bio-products. The company's innovative approach involves designing and fabricating a tunable catalyst that functions similarly to natural enzymes, achieving high selectivity and conversion rates. Unlike traditional enzymes, SIEV's technology can operate at elevated temperatures with greater efficiency, allowing clients to harness a diverse array of biomass sources for the production of sustainable chemicals. This advancement positions SIEV at the forefront of the bio-products sector, promoting environmental sustainability through the effective utilization of waste materials.

Susmax

Grant in 2021
Susmax is a construction company that specializes in the production of lightweight aggregate for the construction industry. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

STEMEd

Grant in 2021
STEMEd provides STEM education to students to ignite their interest in STEM and encourage them to pursue STEM careers in the future. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Susmax

Grant in 2021
Susmax is a construction company that specializes in the production of lightweight aggregate for the construction industry. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Simpact

Grant in 2021
Simpact develops analytics and forecasting software to help businesses make data-driven decisions. The company's headquarters are in Boston, Massachusetts.

SynMatter

Grant in 2020
Synmatter, founded in 2015 and based in Orlando, Florida, specializes in the development of anticorrosive pigments designed for the production of smart particles that enhance metal protection and antifouling coatings. These pigments can be integrated into a variety of polymers, including coatings, varnishes, plastics, resins, caulks, putties, sealants, and adhesives. Synmatter's innovations serve multiple industries, particularly automotive, aerospace, and marine, providing effective solutions to protect vehicles, aircraft, and ships from corrosion.

SuperMEM

Grant in 2020
SuperMEM, founded in 2019 and based in San Diego, California, specializes in the development of lightweight chips that facilitate artificial intelligence integration in devices. The company's innovative technology allows for the incorporation of AI into Internet of Things devices without significantly increasing costs or power consumption. By providing a standard chip interface and simplifying software migration, SuperMEM enables its clients to access transformative technology, making it easier and more affordable to create smarter devices in various applications.

ActiveMEMS

Grant in 2019
ActiveMEMS is a technology startup to commercialize advanced MEMS technologies developed at the Wireless Integrated MicroSensing & Systems Center of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Based on proprietary design and manufacturing innovations, ActiveMEMS aims to provide unique solutions for wireless sensing needs in a variety of applications, including smart industrial monitoring systems, vehicle instrumentation, smart buildings, and wearable devices. Our company is committed to development and commercialization of high-performance micro transducers and energy harvesters to address the needs of next generation energy-autonomous wireless sensors and IoT devices. To enable manufacturing of high-performance and low-cost energy harvesters and other micro electromechanical systems, ActiveMEMS is developing new microfabrication technologies for wafer-scale heterogeneous integration of high-quality smart materials into microsystems. Our core technology platform enables advanced solutions for not only energy harvesters but also a wide range of other applications, from high-resolution ultrasound transceiver arrays for biomedical imaging to micro-speakers, microphones and haptic-feedback transducers for mobile consumer electronics.

SynMatter

Grant in 2019
Synmatter, founded in 2015 and based in Orlando, Florida, specializes in the development of anticorrosive pigments designed for the production of smart particles that enhance metal protection and antifouling coatings. These pigments can be integrated into a variety of polymers, including coatings, varnishes, plastics, resins, caulks, putties, sealants, and adhesives. Synmatter's innovations serve multiple industries, particularly automotive, aerospace, and marine, providing effective solutions to protect vehicles, aircraft, and ships from corrosion.

systeMECH

Grant in 2017
systeMECH specializes in developing innovative and scalable manufacturing processes, particularly focusing on bonding and layer transfer technologies. Founded in 2011 by David Grierson and Kevin Turner, the company aims to commercialize advancements from research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Its core services revolve around creating small-scale manufacturing techniques for flexible micro- and nano-scale devices. systeMECH offers expertise in micro- and nanofabrication, emphasizing methods to fabricate advanced flexible electronics, photonics, MEMS, and semiconductor devices. By enabling the direct transfer of high-performance materials and devices to flexible substrates, the company supports researchers and innovators in enhancing their applications across various industries.

M. V Systems

Grant in 2017
MVSystems designs, builds and delivers world-class ultra-high vacuum (UHV) single and multi-chamber deposition systems for R&D, prototype production and small production lines. As part of the systems sales, we specifically guarantee state of the art opto-electronic properties of thin film semiconductors such as amorphous and nanocrystalline silicon, dielectrics and transparent conductive oxides (TCOs).

Symbyon Systems

Grant in 2016
Symbyon develops enterprise software and intellectual property for advanced error correction coding and machine learning. This technology has been proven and has been already deployed in storage devices. Their work resulting is the top choice for IEEE P1890 Standards for Error Correction Coding for Non-Volatile Memories. They are working with commercial partners to design their solution tailored to specific requirements for new applications.

AE Machines

Grant in 2016
AE Machines specializes in developing human-centered software that simplifies the maintenance and updating of robotic automation systems. Their platform is designed for small to medium-sized businesses, allowing users to easily design and automate machine movements. By making automation accessible, AE Machines enables clients to enhance their operational efficiency and reduce costs associated with traditional automation methods. The company's focus on user-friendly design aims to streamline the implementation of automation in various business processes.

SmartyPal

Grant in 2016
SmartyPal's NSF-funded technology powers personalized game-based learning. The KidsMakeItRight program helps elementary age children build STEM Skills & compassion by working together on team-based projects that reduce trash & help the environment. SmartyPal won the MongoDB Innovation Award for Education (previous winner was LinkedIn), Reimagine Education award and 2017 Family Choice Award.

systeMECH

Grant in 2015
systeMECH specializes in developing innovative and scalable manufacturing processes, particularly focusing on bonding and layer transfer technologies. Founded in 2011 by David Grierson and Kevin Turner, the company aims to commercialize advancements from research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Its core services revolve around creating small-scale manufacturing techniques for flexible micro- and nano-scale devices. systeMECH offers expertise in micro- and nanofabrication, emphasizing methods to fabricate advanced flexible electronics, photonics, MEMS, and semiconductor devices. By enabling the direct transfer of high-performance materials and devices to flexible substrates, the company supports researchers and innovators in enhancing their applications across various industries.

Symbyon Systems

Grant in 2015
Symbyon develops enterprise software and intellectual property for advanced error correction coding and machine learning. This technology has been proven and has been already deployed in storage devices. Their work resulting is the top choice for IEEE P1890 Standards for Error Correction Coding for Non-Volatile Memories. They are working with commercial partners to design their solution tailored to specific requirements for new applications.

SmartyPal

Grant in 2014
SmartyPal's NSF-funded technology powers personalized game-based learning. The KidsMakeItRight program helps elementary age children build STEM Skills & compassion by working together on team-based projects that reduce trash & help the environment. SmartyPal won the MongoDB Innovation Award for Education (previous winner was LinkedIn), Reimagine Education award and 2017 Family Choice Award.

femtoScale

Grant in 2014
femtoScale offers PM meters for air quality monitoring, industrial hygiene, and aerosol research.

Scale2Market

Grant in 2013
Scale2Market provides business consulting services in the federal marketplace. Scale2Market was founded in 2012 and was headquartered in Maryland, United States.

SmalTec

Grant in 2013
Manufacture and seller of micro-EDM and nano-grinding machining services. The company's micro technology machines offer micro-EDM, nano-grinding, micro-turning, micro milling, micro-drilling and micro-polishing to create the micro scale machining and 3-dimensional shaping and contouring in the industry.

Myndbend

Grant in 2013
Myndbend experts provide professional SaaS-related services to mid-size and enterprise-level businesses.

MSP Industries Corporation

Grant in 2013
MSP manufactures precision forged powertrain, driveline, chassis and other components for the automotive industry using cold and warm forging processes. It operates two manufacturing facilities in Oxford, Michigan and a third facility in Center Line, Michigan. MSP adds to AAM's product line a variety of transmission parts for platforms used in 30 passenger car and truck models, as well as 50 drivetrain and transmission shaft components used in passenger car and truck drivetrain systems. It diversifies AAM's customer base by adding new customers such as Meritor and Simpson Industries.

femtoScale

Grant in 2013
femtoScale offers PM meters for air quality monitoring, industrial hygiene, and aerosol research.

Split Engineering

Grant in 2013
Split Engineering LLC provides coarse rock fragmentation size measurement systems, software, and service. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in Tucson, Arizona. As of April 16, 2019, Split Engineering LLC operates as a subsidiary of Hexagon Mining.

Sinmat

Grant in 2012
Sinmat, Inc. designs and produces CMP (chemical mechanical planarization) slurries for polishing ultrahard-surface materials, including silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) for semiconductor devices. The company was founded in 1963 and is based in Gainesville, Florida. Sinmat, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Entegris, Inc.

Split Engineering

Grant in 2012
Split Engineering LLC provides coarse rock fragmentation size measurement systems, software, and service. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in Tucson, Arizona. As of April 16, 2019, Split Engineering LLC operates as a subsidiary of Hexagon Mining.

femtoScale

Grant in 2012
femtoScale offers PM meters for air quality monitoring, industrial hygiene, and aerosol research.

StarMobile

Grant in 2012
StarMobile, Inc. provides cloud-based enterprise mobility solutions. It offers StarMobile, a cloud-based solution that allows customers to mobilize enterprise applications on any mobile device. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Developer of micro-electromechanical systems based systems intended for healthcare, laboratory, and manufacturing applications. The company's products include implantable wireless pressure sensors, gas density meters, MEMS-based medical devices, fuel cell concentration sensors, and liquid density meters.

femtoScale

Grant in 2012
femtoScale offers PM meters for air quality monitoring, industrial hygiene, and aerosol research.

QM Power

Grant in 2012
QM Power, Inc. designs and manufactures magnetic circuits and electronic controllers for electric motors, generators, and actuators, serving both domestic and international markets. Founded in 2006 and based in Kansas City, Missouri, the company specializes in products such as synchronous motors, electronic start motors, and fan motors, which are utilized in various applications including commercial refrigeration and HVAC systems. QM Power leverages proprietary technologies, including QSync and Parallel Path Magnetic Technology, to enhance the efficiency and performance of its products. The company has acquired intellectual property from previously owned entities and continues to innovate in collaboration with academic and commercial partners. In addition to its product offerings, QM Power provides financing and services programs to support its customers.
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.
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