National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

James Donlon

Program Director

Debasis Majumdar

Program Director

Graciela Narcho

Staff Associate

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Past deals in Arkansas

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Grant in 2025
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university offering various undergraduate and graduate programs. It is part of the University of Arkansas System and offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of disciplines. It also offers various student services, including academic advising and health services. The university engages with the community through cultural programs and facilities.

FR8relay

Grant in 2024
FR8relay is an Arkansas-based technology company focused on enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the trucking logistics industry. The company has developed a fleet management platform that employs patented routing technology to transform traditional long-haul trucking practices by minimizing downtime in supply chains. Its platform automates workflows, facilitates online freight brokerage to connect shippers with carriers, and offers a management system tailored for small to medium-sized trucking companies. Through these innovations, FR8relay enables clients to optimize their operations and significantly reduce the manual workload involved in logistics management. The company is supported by various governmental agencies and has participated in a program aimed at fostering machine learning startups.

Lapovations

Grant in 2023
Lapovations is a healthcare company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It focuses on the development and manufacturing of innovative medical devices specifically designed for laparoscopic surgery. The company's mission is to redefine laparoscopy by creating devices that minimize invasiveness, simplify surgical procedures, and enhance patient outcomes. Through its cutting-edge technology, Lapovations aims to enable medical professionals to perform surgeries with greater safety and efficiency.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Grant in 2023
Northwest Arkansas Community College is a full-service community college in Bentonville, Arkansas, that offers transfer and professional academics, remedial and advanced programs, college life activities and a full range of student services. Academics include professional degrees in healthcare and business, such as: * Marketing * Nursing * Physical Therapy * Respiratory Therapy Other programs of study include transfer degrees in the arts and sciences, such as: * Drama * Film * Fine Arts * International Languages * Environmental Regulation * Psychology * Sociology High-performing degree candidates also have the option of enrolling in the school’s honors program. North Arkansas Community College has an adult education division, as well, which offers GED-prep and classes in ESL and Computer Literacy. Student life activities are available to students in all divisions. Some examples of these activities include performing arts clubs, academic and professional clubs and other types of student organizations. The career services division sponsors a range of activities, including career readiness workshops, job fairs and on-campus recruiting seminars. They also provide career counseling and job-search assistance. Most programs have an open admissions policy, which allows anyone with a high school diploma or GED to enroll, simply by filling out an admissions application. Healthcare programs have additional requirements. Students may receive academic, departmental and other types of scholarships, as well as federal financial aid awards like grants and loans.

University of Arkansas - Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research

Grant in 2023
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.

FR8relay

Grant in 2022
FR8relay is an Arkansas-based technology company focused on enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the trucking logistics industry. The company has developed a fleet management platform that employs patented routing technology to transform traditional long-haul trucking practices by minimizing downtime in supply chains. Its platform automates workflows, facilitates online freight brokerage to connect shippers with carriers, and offers a management system tailored for small to medium-sized trucking companies. Through these innovations, FR8relay enables clients to optimize their operations and significantly reduce the manual workload involved in logistics management. The company is supported by various governmental agencies and has participated in a program aimed at fostering machine learning startups.

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.

University of Arkansas

Grant in 2021
The University of Arkansas, located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is distinguished by its rich tradition known as Senior Walk, a network of sidewalks engraved with the names of over 150,000 graduates spanning nearly 140 years. This tradition reflects the institution's commitment to its students and their achievements. Additionally, the university manages an endowment fund, with its assets governed and overseen by an executive management team, further supporting its mission of providing quality education and resources to its student body.

Lapovations

Grant in 2020
Lapovations is a healthcare company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It focuses on the development and manufacturing of innovative medical devices specifically designed for laparoscopic surgery. The company's mission is to redefine laparoscopy by creating devices that minimize invasiveness, simplify surgical procedures, and enhance patient outcomes. Through its cutting-edge technology, Lapovations aims to enable medical professionals to perform surgeries with greater safety and efficiency.

Zebra Analytix

Grant in 2019
Zebra Analytix, Inc. specializes in the development and commercialization of miniature gas chromatography systems utilizing microelectromechanical systems technology licensed from Virginia Tech University. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the company offers products such as the Zebra-GC Model L and Modular Zebra-GC Model M, along with micro pre-concentrators. These systems are designed to provide rapid and portable analysis of volatile compounds, making them suitable for applications in various industries including food and beverage quality control, environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, and energy sectors. Additionally, Zebra Analytix offers services such as column refurbishment and custom designs tailored for specific research needs. The company's innovative technology features microfabricated chips that allow for multi-channel separations, significantly enhancing the efficiency and versatility of gas analysis.

Lapovations

Grant in 2019
Lapovations is a healthcare company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It focuses on the development and manufacturing of innovative medical devices specifically designed for laparoscopic surgery. The company's mission is to redefine laparoscopy by creating devices that minimize invasiveness, simplify surgical procedures, and enhance patient outcomes. Through its cutting-edge technology, Lapovations aims to enable medical professionals to perform surgeries with greater safety and efficiency.

Ouachita Baptist University Endowment

Grant in 2018
Ouachita Baptist University, established over 120 years ago, is one of the oldest private universities in Arkansas, located in the picturesque town of Arkadelphia. The institution offers bachelor's degrees across various disciplines through its several schools, including the School of Business, School of Christian Studies, School of Fine Arts, School of Humanities, School of Education, and School of Natural Sciences. With a strong emphasis on integrating faith and education, Ouachita encourages students to explore and apply Christian teachings in their academic pursuits. Admission requires an online application along with transcripts and SAT scores, and applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to Christianity. The university also manages an endowment fund that supports scholarships, professorships, and academic programs, with the earnings overseen by its executive management team. Financial aid is available through federal, state, and private sources, requiring eligible students to complete the FAFSA application for federal assistance.

SurfTec

Grant in 2017
SurfTec, established in 2018, specializes in developing advanced, thin-film polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite coatings. These coatings, derived from research at the University of Arkansas, excel in reducing friction, wear, fouling, and corrosion in mechanical and electrical systems. SurfTec's offerings include corrosion-resistant and anti-fouling coatings, dry lubrication, and ice-phobic layering services, protecting various metals like aluminum, magnesium, steel, and anodized metals in gearboxes. By extending component life and reducing maintenance costs and energy consumption, SurfTec's innovative solutions benefit a wide range of industries. The company is currently seeking partnerships to further develop and apply its technology.

OsteoVantage

Grant in 2017
OsteoVantage, Inc. specializes in developing osteogenic spinal instrumentation technology aimed at enhancing surgical outcomes for spinal fusion procedures. Founded in 2012 and based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the company offers OsteoHeal, a product designed for treating spinal injuries. Its innovative, patent-pending technology focuses on creating next-generation medical devices that minimize pain, increase mobility, and improve clinical results for patients suffering from back injuries, fractures, degenerative diseases, and various orthopedic, craniomaxillofacial, and dental disorders. OsteoVantage's metal hardware is engineered for mechanical stabilization and anchoring, effectively delivering osteogenic electrical stimuli to the affected areas, thereby promoting healing and recovery.

SurfTec

Grant in 2016
SurfTec, established in 2018, specializes in developing advanced, thin-film polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite coatings. These coatings, derived from research at the University of Arkansas, excel in reducing friction, wear, fouling, and corrosion in mechanical and electrical systems. SurfTec's offerings include corrosion-resistant and anti-fouling coatings, dry lubrication, and ice-phobic layering services, protecting various metals like aluminum, magnesium, steel, and anodized metals in gearboxes. By extending component life and reducing maintenance costs and energy consumption, SurfTec's innovative solutions benefit a wide range of industries. The company is currently seeking partnerships to further develop and apply its technology.

WattGlass

Grant in 2016
WattGlass LLC, founded in 2014 and based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, specializes in developing innovative water-based anti-reflective coatings designed to eliminate reflection, glare, and fogging on glass and other transparent materials. The company's proprietary nanoparticle technology, initially developed during research at the University of Arkansas, offers a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to hazardous materials typically used in coatings. WattGlass's solutions cater to various industries, including automotive, consumer goods, architectural glass, and solar photovoltaic applications. The company has secured exclusive licensing for its technology and has filed multiple patents to further enhance its product offerings.

OsteoVantage

Grant in 2015
OsteoVantage, Inc. specializes in developing osteogenic spinal instrumentation technology aimed at enhancing surgical outcomes for spinal fusion procedures. Founded in 2012 and based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the company offers OsteoHeal, a product designed for treating spinal injuries. Its innovative, patent-pending technology focuses on creating next-generation medical devices that minimize pain, increase mobility, and improve clinical results for patients suffering from back injuries, fractures, degenerative diseases, and various orthopedic, craniomaxillofacial, and dental disorders. OsteoVantage's metal hardware is engineered for mechanical stabilization and anchoring, effectively delivering osteogenic electrical stimuli to the affected areas, thereby promoting healing and recovery.

WattGlass

Grant in 2014
WattGlass LLC, founded in 2014 and based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, specializes in developing innovative water-based anti-reflective coatings designed to eliminate reflection, glare, and fogging on glass and other transparent materials. The company's proprietary nanoparticle technology, initially developed during research at the University of Arkansas, offers a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to hazardous materials typically used in coatings. WattGlass's solutions cater to various industries, including automotive, consumer goods, architectural glass, and solar photovoltaic applications. The company has secured exclusive licensing for its technology and has filed multiple patents to further enhance its product offerings.

Arkansas Science & Technology Authority

Grant in 2014
The Arkansas Science & Technology Authority (the Authority) was created by statute in 1983. The mission of the Authority is to advance the talent and innovation necessary for Arkansas to prosper. With a vision to see Arkansas prepared to compete and prosper in the global economy, the Authority addresses strategies to promote scientific research; technology development; business innovation; and math, science, and engineering education.

OsteoVantage

Grant in 2012
OsteoVantage, Inc. specializes in developing osteogenic spinal instrumentation technology aimed at enhancing surgical outcomes for spinal fusion procedures. Founded in 2012 and based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the company offers OsteoHeal, a product designed for treating spinal injuries. Its innovative, patent-pending technology focuses on creating next-generation medical devices that minimize pain, increase mobility, and improve clinical results for patients suffering from back injuries, fractures, degenerative diseases, and various orthopedic, craniomaxillofacial, and dental disorders. OsteoVantage's metal hardware is engineered for mechanical stabilization and anchoring, effectively delivering osteogenic electrical stimuli to the affected areas, thereby promoting healing and recovery.

Silicon Solar Solutions

Grant in 2012
Silicon Solar Solutions is an Arkansas-based startup focused on addressing the high material costs that hinder the solar industry's growth. The company has developed a patented technology that allows for the production of silicon-based solar cells and thin-film modules using less material while enhancing power generation. This innovative approach employs large grain polysilicon technology, which is effective in both wafer-based and thin-film applications. Additionally, the materials used in their technology are abundant, non-toxic, and recyclable, minimizing environmental impact while promoting sustainability in solar energy production.

CardioWise

Grant in 2012
CardioWise, Inc. is a cardiac imaging analysis company that specializes in developing advanced heart analysis software. Founded in 2010 and based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, CardioWise's primary product is its non-invasive cardiac CT analysis software, which includes the Stretch Quantifier for Endocardial Engraved Zones (SQuEEZ). This software utilizes high-resolution cardiac CT scans to create a quantified 4D model of the human heart, enabling cardiologists to conduct comprehensive and objective evaluations of heart function. The platform employs artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance diagnostic accuracy, facilitate timely interventions, and ultimately improve the standard of cardiac care while reducing healthcare costs. By providing easy-to-interpret 3D color maps of heart function through a cloud-based, secure portal, CardioWise aims to make cardiac diagnostics more accessible for both healthcare providers and patients.
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