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 Water

The Water Council

Grant in 2023
The Water Council is focused on redefining the Milwaukee region as the World Water Hub for water research, economic development, and education. It links together global water technology companies, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs, and other related professionals.

Aqua Science

Grant in 2022
Aqua Science offers a global platform of technologies and fast and reliable solutions for the testing and treatment of water. They provide research and development, custom reagent and kit manufacture, product assembly, lyophilization services, and contract manufacturing services.

Elateq

Grant in 2022
Elateq specializes in advanced electrochemical water treatment technology aimed at purifying wastewater. The company's innovative system employs low-level electricity and proprietary carbon materials to effectively remove various contaminants, including heavy metals, pathogens, and toxic chemicals. Elateq's solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of different facilities, allowing for the efficient treatment of both municipal and industrial wastewater. By integrating these technologies, Elateq enhances the purification process and promotes cleaner water resources.

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.

ChloBis Water

Grant in 2021
ChloBis Water specializes in innovative electrochemical technologies, specifically the development of a desalination battery. This technology integrates energy storage with the removal of sodium and chlorine from saltwater. The battery is constructed using bismuth as a chloride-storage electrode and sodium as a sodium-storage electrode, allowing it to efficiently desalinate water while simultaneously storing and releasing energy through the manipulation of salt ions. By addressing the challenges at the intersection of water and energy, ChloBis Water offers a solution that enhances energy efficiency and contributes to sustainable water management.

CryoDesalination

Grant in 2021
CryoDesalination develops a desalination process that will improve people's lives around the world by providing access to clean water. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

WaiHome

Grant in 2021
WaiHome is a wastewater research and design company based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2021. The company specializes in providing affordable onsite wastewater treatment technology that utilizes natural systems for effective and compact treatment solutions. WaiHome's offerings include home water treatment systems like cesspools and septic tanks, aimed at delivering simple and cost-efficient wastewater management services to individuals. By focusing on environmentally friendly methods, WaiHome seeks to protect land and water resources while making wastewater treatment accessible to a broader audience.

AdvanceH2O

Grant in 2021
AdvanceH2O is a developer of an online platform that specializes in water treatment solutions applicable to both small systems and utility-scale plants. The company aims to enhance global water management by providing advanced water purification technology and next-generation monitoring and data informatics platforms. These tools improve the reliability and predictability of water treatment alternatives, enabling clients to adopt innovative methods that prevent environmental and health crises linked to ineffective water treatment practices. By focusing on these goals, AdvanceH2O seeks to address critical challenges in water management and ensure safer, more efficient water treatment processes.

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.

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.

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.

Aquagga

Grant in 2021
Aquagga is a spinout company from the University of Alaska and the University of Washington, focused on developing innovative wet-waste treatment technology. The company utilizes supercritical water (sH2O) technology in conjunction with advanced additive manufacturing to effectively clean and desalinate various industrial effluents. By reducing environmental contaminants with lower energy consumption, Aquagga aims to provide significant social and environmental benefits. Its approach seeks to address pressing environmental challenges while fostering positive societal impacts through sustainable technological solutions.

FloraPulse

Grant in 2020
FloraPulse specializes in providing advanced water stress sensors that enhance the productivity and efficiency of growers in the fruit and nut sectors. Originating from research at Cornell University, the company's patented microsensors measure stem water potential directly within the water-carrying tissue of crops, ensuring accurate and reliable readings. This technology enables growers to receive daily irrigation advice on their mobile devices, allowing for precise water management tailored to their specific crops and goals. By leveraging these tools, FloraPulse aims to help farmers optimize crop yield and quality while reducing costs and managing risks effectively.

Aclarity

Grant in 2020
Aclarity, LLC is a manufacturer of innovative water purification devices aimed at improving water treatment processes for residential use. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in the United States, the company leverages patent-pending electrochemical technology to effectively remove a wide range of contaminants, including pathogens, metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and ammonia from water. Aclarity's systems are designed to provide cost-effective, low-maintenance solutions, ensuring comprehensive purification while promoting safe and clean water for its customers and end-users.
Noria Water Technologies provides solutions for improving the operations of water-based processes. It optimizes industrial processes by shining a spotlight on critical industrial surfaces. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

Confluency

Grant in 2020
Confluency is an engineering company established in 2019 and based in Chicago, Illinois, that focuses on water resource management. The company has developed an AI-based platform aimed at assisting water utilities in managing intricate water and wastewater systems. This platform integrates data with advanced algorithms to enhance the productivity of engineers by reducing the complexity associated with data management. By allowing engineers and planners to concentrate on solving complex issues that necessitate their specialized knowledge and technical skills, Confluency enables them to harness simulation, automation, and data analytics effectively. This approach allows for scalable analyses tailored to the specific challenges faced in water resource management.

Folia Water

Grant in 2020
Folia Water, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in manufacturing innovative water filter papers. The company has developed a patented process utilizing large-scale paper machinery to produce low-cost, nano-metal functionalized materials. Folia Water's primary product is an affordable paper water filter designed to significantly reduce waterborne pathogens, making clean drinking water accessible to a broader audience. Targeting emerging markets, the filters are priced at approximately $0.20 for 20 liters, catering to the needs of around 3 billion consumers. Folia Water operates in the business-to-business sector, partnering with enterprise-scale consumer brands and conducting pilot projects with notable companies such as Unilever in Bangladesh and a multinational corporation in Mexico. Through its efforts, Folia Water aims to enhance the quality of life for working-class consumers by providing high-quality, affordable water purification solutions.

WaveArray

Grant in 2019
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.

CatalyzeH2O

Grant in 2019
CatalyzeH2O creates nanotechnology and electrochemical clean water solutions.

Cyclopure

Series B in 2019
CycloPure, Inc. specializes in the manufacture and sale of polymer adsorbents designed to effectively remove micropollutants from water. The company's innovative products are utilized in residential and assisted living drinking water treatment, as well as portable water filtration projects. CycloPure serves a diverse clientele, including manufacturers of consumer point-of-use products, water treatment operators, engineering firms, medical and commercial enterprises, beverage producers, and textile manufacturers. In addition to its adsorbents, the company offers water testing kits for online purchase. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Encinitas, California, CycloPure also operates a research and technology center in Skokie, Illinois. The company is recognized for pioneering the use of cyclodextrin-based polymer adsorbents, contributing to advancements in water treatment and ensuring the safety and purity of drinking water.

Fluidion

Grant in 2019
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.

Savengy

Grant in 2019
Manufacturer of desalination systems intended to recover potable water from treated wastewater. The company's systems perform water distillation which can distill brackish and seawater and is adaptable to a wide range of environments, enabling industries to use systems in an eco-friendly and cost-effective way.

Shower Stream

Grant in 2019
Shower Stream, based in Austin, Texas, specializes in designing and manufacturing a motion-activated shower head adapter that significantly reduces water wastage. This innovative product addresses the issue of water waste, particularly in hotels, where it is estimated that $30,000 is lost annually due to inefficient shower warm-up practices. Shower Stream's smart adapter not only conserves water but also provides users with data on their savings through a web interface. The device is designed to be unobtrusive, ensuring that it does not disrupt the user's experience while promoting sustainability and efficiency in water usage.

Mobius Labs Inc

Grant in 2019
At Mobius Labs our mission is to provide you a smart water management system that allows you to track water consumption in real-time.

Lotic Labs

Grant in 2019
Lotic Labs develops innovative software focused on enhancing water markets and advancing environmental finance. By integrating fragmented data sets with advanced environmental science models and financial simulations, Lotic Labs facilitates comprehensive analysis of the interplay between financial, operational, and environmental decisions, particularly within the water utility and heavy industrial sectors. The company’s technology is designed to address environmental financial risks, offering tools for climate risk assessment that help minimize revenue and budget variance for water utilities. Additionally, Lotic Labs provides solutions for environmental modeling and analytics, including contract simulation, impact tracking, and opportunity identification, enabling businesses that rely heavily on natural resources to effectively manage the risks associated with volatile environmental conditions.

WISRAN

Grant in 2019
WISRAN specializes in smart data and process management technology focused on real-time water measurement and management. The company develops a cloud-enabled software platform that collects data from various equipment, such as pumps, to provide insights into operations and business intelligence. This technology serves smart cities, equipment manufacturers, utilities, and regulators, aiming to enhance efficiency, identify new revenue opportunities, and reduce costs. Additionally, WISRAN offers a SaaS-based agtech platform that utilizes tablets equipped with accelerometers and GPS for agricultural equipment. This feature allows farmers to gather telematics data, ultimately improving worker productivity and optimizing agricultural machinery logistics.

Cyclopure

Grant in 2019
CycloPure, Inc. specializes in the manufacture and sale of polymer adsorbents designed to effectively remove micropollutants from water. The company's innovative products are utilized in residential and assisted living drinking water treatment, as well as portable water filtration projects. CycloPure serves a diverse clientele, including manufacturers of consumer point-of-use products, water treatment operators, engineering firms, medical and commercial enterprises, beverage producers, and textile manufacturers. In addition to its adsorbents, the company offers water testing kits for online purchase. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Encinitas, California, CycloPure also operates a research and technology center in Skokie, Illinois. The company is recognized for pioneering the use of cyclodextrin-based polymer adsorbents, contributing to advancements in water treatment and ensuring the safety and purity of drinking water.

AquaNRG

Seed Round in 2019
AquaNRG has developed a state-of-the-art cloud-based application for energy, water and environmental markets which merges physics-chemistry simulation with machine learning for faster, more accurate and less expensive product and process design and engineering

Folia Water

Grant in 2018
Folia Water, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in manufacturing innovative water filter papers. The company has developed a patented process utilizing large-scale paper machinery to produce low-cost, nano-metal functionalized materials. Folia Water's primary product is an affordable paper water filter designed to significantly reduce waterborne pathogens, making clean drinking water accessible to a broader audience. Targeting emerging markets, the filters are priced at approximately $0.20 for 20 liters, catering to the needs of around 3 billion consumers. Folia Water operates in the business-to-business sector, partnering with enterprise-scale consumer brands and conducting pilot projects with notable companies such as Unilever in Bangladesh and a multinational corporation in Mexico. Through its efforts, Folia Water aims to enhance the quality of life for working-class consumers by providing high-quality, affordable water purification solutions.

NALA Membranes

Grant in 2018
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.

Aclarity

Grant in 2018
Aclarity, LLC is a manufacturer of innovative water purification devices aimed at improving water treatment processes for residential use. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in the United States, the company leverages patent-pending electrochemical technology to effectively remove a wide range of contaminants, including pathogens, metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and ammonia from water. Aclarity's systems are designed to provide cost-effective, low-maintenance solutions, ensuring comprehensive purification while promoting safe and clean water for its customers and end-users.

Sunny Clean Water

Grant in 2018
Sunny Clean Water develops a portable, solar-powered water filter that provides drinkable water. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Buffalo, New York.

Anfiro

Grant in 2018
Anfiro is a water technology start-up addressing global freshwater scarcity. They are using their self-assembling polymers to create chlorine resistant and high permeability reverse osmosis (RO) membranes that vastly outperform current membrane technology. This enables us to significantly reduce the cost of desalinating and purifying water, enabling clean and affordable water for a better tomorrow

Fluidion

Grant in 2017
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.

Shower Stream

Grant in 2017
Shower Stream, based in Austin, Texas, specializes in designing and manufacturing a motion-activated shower head adapter that significantly reduces water wastage. This innovative product addresses the issue of water waste, particularly in hotels, where it is estimated that $30,000 is lost annually due to inefficient shower warm-up practices. Shower Stream's smart adapter not only conserves water but also provides users with data on their savings through a web interface. The device is designed to be unobtrusive, ensuring that it does not disrupt the user's experience while promoting sustainability and efficiency in water usage.

MicroHAOPs

Grant in 2017
MicroHAOPs is a Seattle-based company specializing in innovative wastewater treatment technology, founded in 2015. The company focuses on membrane-based treatment processes and has developed proprietary solutions that include a unique nanomaterial for membrane pre-treatment, wastewater treatment, and water purification. These advancements enable the effective removal of phosphorus from treated domestic wastewater and polluted natural waters to trace levels. By commercializing technology that minimizes fouling of water treatment membranes, MicroHAOPs supports businesses in reducing their freshwater costs and wastewater outputs, thereby enhancing their overall water sustainability.

Cyclopure

Grant in 2017
CycloPure, Inc. specializes in the manufacture and sale of polymer adsorbents designed to effectively remove micropollutants from water. The company's innovative products are utilized in residential and assisted living drinking water treatment, as well as portable water filtration projects. CycloPure serves a diverse clientele, including manufacturers of consumer point-of-use products, water treatment operators, engineering firms, medical and commercial enterprises, beverage producers, and textile manufacturers. In addition to its adsorbents, the company offers water testing kits for online purchase. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Encinitas, California, CycloPure also operates a research and technology center in Skokie, Illinois. The company is recognized for pioneering the use of cyclodextrin-based polymer adsorbents, contributing to advancements in water treatment and ensuring the safety and purity of drinking water.

Mobius Labs Inc

Grant in 2017
At Mobius Labs our mission is to provide you a smart water management system that allows you to track water consumption in real-time.

FloraPulse

Grant in 2017
FloraPulse specializes in providing advanced water stress sensors that enhance the productivity and efficiency of growers in the fruit and nut sectors. Originating from research at Cornell University, the company's patented microsensors measure stem water potential directly within the water-carrying tissue of crops, ensuring accurate and reliable readings. This technology enables growers to receive daily irrigation advice on their mobile devices, allowing for precise water management tailored to their specific crops and goals. By leveraging these tools, FloraPulse aims to help farmers optimize crop yield and quality while reducing costs and managing risks effectively.

Amriton

Grant in 2017
Amriton is a water treatment technology company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing innovative solutions for the removal of harmful pollutants from water, utilizing a unique approach that employs polymer-coated sand to effectively eliminate organic contaminants. Amriton's technology aims to enhance environmental sustainability by providing efficient water treatment methods that facilitate recycling and reuse. Through its advancements, the company offers clients low-cost, reusable filters for effective water purification, contributing to improved water quality and environmental protection.
PACE Advanced Water Engineering is a civil engineering company specializing in water engineering services.

PowerTech Water

Grant in 2016
PowerTech Water, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and marketing advanced water treatment products. Its flagship offering, CapCo, is an electrochemical filter designed to effectively remove various metals from water, addressing the needs of industries such as batteries, microelectronics, electroplating, automotive, metal finishing, mining, food and beverage, and oil and gas. The filter targets a range of metals, including lead, copper, manganese, iron, silver, gold, mercury, zinc, nickel, and aluminum. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, PowerTech Water aims to provide water-intensive industries with access to affordable and environmentally friendly clean water solutions.

Wazer

Grant in 2016
Wazer is a developer of a desktop waterjet cutter that aims to make industrial manufacturing accessible to individuals and small businesses. This innovative machine utilizes a high-pressure stream of water combined with abrasive micro-particles to cut through a wide range of materials, including metals, glass, stone, ceramics, carbon fibers, wood, plastics, rubber, and foam. Unlike traditional fabrication tools such as 3-D printers and laser cutters, which are limited to softer materials, Wazer's cutter offers versatility and precision, allowing for professional-grade fabrication in various settings. By providing a compact and affordable alternative to large, expensive waterjet machines, Wazer empowers users to undertake complex cutting tasks that were previously out of reach.

Waterbit

Grant in 2016
WaterBit’s automated irrigation solution enables control of local irrigation taking into account growth stage and soil conditions at a level of granularity and accuracy that is not possible with other current methods. WaterBit translates technology into tangible value for growers to improve yields, ensure crop quality, optimize water usage and implement labor saving strategies.

MicroHAOPs

Grant in 2015
MicroHAOPs is a Seattle-based company specializing in innovative wastewater treatment technology, founded in 2015. The company focuses on membrane-based treatment processes and has developed proprietary solutions that include a unique nanomaterial for membrane pre-treatment, wastewater treatment, and water purification. These advancements enable the effective removal of phosphorus from treated domestic wastewater and polluted natural waters to trace levels. By commercializing technology that minimizes fouling of water treatment membranes, MicroHAOPs supports businesses in reducing their freshwater costs and wastewater outputs, thereby enhancing their overall water sustainability.

PowerTech Water

Grant in 2015
PowerTech Water, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and marketing advanced water treatment products. Its flagship offering, CapCo, is an electrochemical filter designed to effectively remove various metals from water, addressing the needs of industries such as batteries, microelectronics, electroplating, automotive, metal finishing, mining, food and beverage, and oil and gas. The filter targets a range of metals, including lead, copper, manganese, iron, silver, gold, mercury, zinc, nickel, and aluminum. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, PowerTech Water aims to provide water-intensive industries with access to affordable and environmentally friendly clean water solutions.

Amriton

Grant in 2015
Amriton is a water treatment technology company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing innovative solutions for the removal of harmful pollutants from water, utilizing a unique approach that employs polymer-coated sand to effectively eliminate organic contaminants. Amriton's technology aims to enhance environmental sustainability by providing efficient water treatment methods that facilitate recycling and reuse. Through its advancements, the company offers clients low-cost, reusable filters for effective water purification, contributing to improved water quality and environmental protection.

TreeDiaper

Grant in 2013
TreeDiaper is a provider of landscape mats and containers for various plants, trees, and shrubs for your garden or for parks. The company delivers a hydration system designed for potted plants, once the mat is soaked in water alongside with soil for the plant or tree, it helps the plant develop through controlled water release. TreeDiaper was established in 2010 by Dr. Hailing Yang in Ashland, Virginia.

MIOX

Grant in 2012
MIOX Corporation specializes in the design and manufacture of on-site generators for water disinfection, producing mixed oxidant solutions and mobile chemical-free disinfection systems. The company's products cater to a variety of applications, including drinking water treatment, wastewater management for municipalities and industries, industrial cooling systems, and oil and gas water treatment, emphasizing water recycling. Additionally, MIOX technology is utilized in food and beverage processing, cleaning applications, and prevention of legionella in settings like hotels, universities, and hospitals. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, MIOX operates as a subsidiary of Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
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