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 Indiana

Indiana Wesleyan University

Grant in 2024
Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian comprehensive university of The Wesleyan Church. The University was founded in 1920 as Marion College and is committed to liberal arts and professional education. Indiana Wesleyan is the largest member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the largest private college in Indiana, based on enrollment, and is one of the largest employers in Grant County. Nearly 3,000 students are enrolled in traditional programs on the University’s 350-acre residential campus in Marion. Most buildings on the Marion campus have been built in the past 25 years, so students live and learn in a visually striking environment with well-appointed residence halls and academic facilities, all on a campus that is only an hour away from both Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. IWU offers more than 80 undergraduate degrees, 38 graduate degrees and 5 doctorate degrees and students represent more than 80 Christian denominations and 10 foreign countries.

Amplified Sciences

Grant in 2024
Amplified Sciences LLC is a molecular diagnostics company focused on the early detection of debilitating diseases, particularly pancreatic cancer and kidney disease. Utilizing an ultra-sensitive molecular sensing technology licensed from Purdue University, the company’s platform can detect disease markers at the single molecule level, enabling accurate diagnosis from bodily fluids such as urine and saliva. This versatile technology is designed for scalability to point-of-care applications, allowing for effective disease screening with a favorable cost structure. Amplified Sciences has developed a working prototype and has published proof of concept data, positioning itself to meet significant unmet medical needs in diagnostics. Founded in 2016 and based in West Lafayette, Indiana, the company was previously known as Nutrabiotix.

Valgotech

Grant in 2021
Valgotech, founded in 2018 and located in Fishers, Indiana, focuses on advanced materials and energy storage solutions, particularly in the realm of renewable energy systems. The company develops innovative hybrid composites utilizing micro and nanomaterials to enhance the energy density and cycling performance of lithium-ion batteries. By improving these aspects, Valgotech aims to deliver high-performance energy storage options that remain affordable for clients, thereby advancing the efficiency and accessibility of clean energy technologies.

Lucata

Grant in 2021
Lucata Corporation specializes in developing advanced hardware and software technology to enhance memory utilization for various industries. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in New York, with additional offices in South Bend, Indiana, and Palo Alto, Lucata produces motherboards, node cards, and memory servers designed for high-performance analytics. The company employs patented migrating thread technology to enable organizations to perform extensive multi-hop analytics and graph analysis on massive databases, facilitating insights from complex data structures with up to one trillion vertices. Lucata's solutions cater to sectors such as financial services, cybersecurity, healthcare, and telecommunications, allowing users to leverage existing graph database software for deeper analysis without the need for extensive software layers. The company's architecture is energy-efficient, supports linear performance scaling, and significantly reduces latency, making it a powerful option for organizations tackling big data challenges.

MITS

Grant in 2021
MITS develops multiscale integrated technology solutions to improve mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.

South Bend Woodworks

Grant in 2021
South Bend Woodworks creates handcrafted wooden toys, furniture, and legacy gifts for small children. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in South Bend, Indiana.

Ateios

Grant in 2020
Ateios Inc. develops advanced technology for manufacturing ultra-thin and customizable batteries suitable for various applications in electronics. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company was founded in 2018 and focuses on creating zinc-oxide batteries that offer 2-5 times higher energy density compared to traditional coin cells. This innovative manufacturing process enables the production of flexible batteries that can be tailored to fit specific product requirements. Ateios' technology is particularly applicable to smart textiles, soft robotics, Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, and medical or fitness wearables. By facilitating a new generation of thin and flexible electronics, Ateios aims to enhance the integration of battery technology into diverse electronic devices.

Terran Robotics

Grant in 2020
Terran Robotics is a construction company based in Bloomington, Indiana, that focuses on innovative home construction services, particularly in automated adobe wall building. The company utilizes artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance traditional earthen building techniques. By employing a custom-designed cable-driven robot for three-dimensional printing of homes, Terran Robotics aims to improve durability with features such as fire resistance and superior sound dampening. This approach enables clients to significantly reduce housing costs, lower energy expenses, and maintain an environmentally friendly footprint.

MIFtek

Grant in 2020
Miftek develops cellular analysis platforms for extracting complex information from cells. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in West Lafayette, Indiana.

RightFit Analytics

Grant in 2020
RightFit Analytics, founded in 2018 and based in West Lafayette, Indiana, specializes in a precision health-focused analytics platform. This platform employs artificial intelligence to analyze historical data, identifying success patterns linked to medical operations. By assessing physician strengths in relation to patient characteristics, the platform enables hospitals to make evidence-based decisions that enhance operational efficiency and improve patient outcomes.

Valgotech

Grant in 2020
Valgotech, founded in 2018 and located in Fishers, Indiana, focuses on advanced materials and energy storage solutions, particularly in the realm of renewable energy systems. The company develops innovative hybrid composites utilizing micro and nanomaterials to enhance the energy density and cycling performance of lithium-ion batteries. By improving these aspects, Valgotech aims to deliver high-performance energy storage options that remain affordable for clients, thereby advancing the efficiency and accessibility of clean energy technologies.

Purdue University

Grant in 2019
Purdue University is a public land-grant research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana, and serves as the flagship institution of the Purdue University system. Founded in 1869, it was established through the generosity of local businessman John Purdue, who aimed to create a college focused on science, technology, and agriculture. The university is renowned for its strong programs in engineering, technology, and agriculture, offering a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple disciplines. Purdue's commitment to research and education is supported by contributions from alumni and friends, which have helped establish a robust financial foundation. This support not only enhances the university's academic offerings but also fosters an environment conducive to innovation and discovery.

MITO (Materials)

Grant in 2019
MITO Material Solutions, Inc. is a specialty chemical company that focuses on developing and manufacturing graphene-based hybrid polymer modifiers and additives to enhance material performance across various industries. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with an additional office in Stillwater, Oklahoma, MITO offers innovative products such as the MITO T-Series, a nano-additive that significantly increases the toughness of composite materials by up to 100% while reducing the likelihood of mechanical failure by 80%. This versatility allows industries, including aerospace, recreational vehicle, and boating, to either enhance product durability or decrease material usage, leading to substantial cost savings and weight reduction. MITO's products are compatible with a range of applications, including epoxy resins and thermoplastics, ultimately contributing to improved efficiency and performance in manufacturing processes.

Purdue University

Grant in 2019
Purdue University is a public land-grant research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana, and serves as the flagship institution of the Purdue University system. Founded in 1869, it was established through the generosity of local businessman John Purdue, who aimed to create a college focused on science, technology, and agriculture. The university is renowned for its strong programs in engineering, technology, and agriculture, offering a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple disciplines. Purdue's commitment to research and education is supported by contributions from alumni and friends, which have helped establish a robust financial foundation. This support not only enhances the university's academic offerings but also fosters an environment conducive to innovation and discovery.

GeniPhys

Grant in 2019
GeniPhys is a medical technology company that plans to develop and commercialize its patented technology. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Zionsville, Indiana.

Nutramaize

Grant in 2017
NutraMaize is an Indiana-based AgBioScience company focused on commercializing a nutrient-rich, non-GMO corn variety known for its deep orange color, which results from a high carotenoid content. This proprietary corn offers various health benefits, including support for eye health, immune system enhancement, and a potential reduction in the risk of certain chronic diseases. NutraMaize aims to provide consumers with a more nutritious and better-tasting food option through its innovative agricultural practices.

Sintact Medical Systems

Grant in 2017
Sintact Medical Systems, Inc. is engaged in the development of non-resorbable films that prevent adjacent organs from adhering to each other following surgical procedures. These films serve as a barrier against scar formation, significantly reducing the risk of surgical adhesions and related post-operative complications. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, the company aims to enhance patient outcomes by providing a clear plane of dissection for potential future surgeries, thereby facilitating easier re-operation if necessary.

Mobile Enerlytics

Grant in 2017
Mobile Enerlytics, LLC, founded in 2014 and based in West Lafayette, Indiana, specializes in technologies aimed at enhancing smartphone battery life through energy-centric mobile application design. The company offers solutions such as Estar, an Android application that identifies and helps users remove energy-inefficient apps to prolong battery life, and Eprof, a diagnostic tool for developers that analyzes application code to identify energy drains. Additionally, Mobile Enerlytics has created an end-to-end App Energy Management (AEM) solution that assists app and handset vendors in detecting energy inefficiencies prior to app releases, thereby improving user engagement and increasing mobile revenue. Their tools integrate seamlessly with Android Studio and provide valuable insights into battery performance, enabling both consumers and developers to optimize energy usage effectively.

Vibronix

Grant in 2016
Vibronix, Inc. is a healthcare technology company specializing in the development of advanced imaging and sensor devices for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, particularly cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Founded by Dr. Ji-Xin Cheng and Dr. Pu Wang at Purdue University in 2013, the company is headquartered in West Lafayette, Indiana, with an additional office in Suzhou, China. Vibronix offers innovative tools such as LipoPAT, a multi-modal intraoperative imaging device that utilizes ultrasound and photoacoustic tomography, and AcouStar, an optoacoustic fiber guide that enhances tumor localization and device tracking through augmented reality. Additionally, the company provides an intravascular photoacoustic catheter system, IVPA, which characterizes atherosclerosis and supports cardiologists in assessing and guiding treatment options.

Spero Energy

Grant in 2016
Spero Energy, Inc. is an Indiana based company with the mission of developing cost competitive processes for the conversion of abundant non-food biomass to high value chemicals (HVCs) and renewable fuels. With its experienced and outstanding research and business team, Spero Energy has developed processes for a range of renewable chemicals targeting the flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries. Our initial lignin-derived flavor and fragrance chemicals target a multi-billion dollar market segment.

Purdue University

Grant in 2016
Purdue University is a public land-grant research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana, and serves as the flagship institution of the Purdue University system. Founded in 1869, it was established through the generosity of local businessman John Purdue, who aimed to create a college focused on science, technology, and agriculture. The university is renowned for its strong programs in engineering, technology, and agriculture, offering a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple disciplines. Purdue's commitment to research and education is supported by contributions from alumni and friends, which have helped establish a robust financial foundation. This support not only enhances the university's academic offerings but also fosters an environment conducive to innovation and discovery.

VinSense

Grant in 2016
VinSense, an Indiana-based LLC established in March 2015, specializes in developing a decision support software system aimed at enhancing agricultural crop production, particularly within the wine grape growing and winemaking sectors. The software equips producers, field managers, and winemakers with tools to make informed crop management decisions that improve production volume, uniformity, and quality while also promoting long-term sustainability and profitability. By leveraging advanced scientific models and real-time data, VinSense enables timely interventions in critical areas such as cover crop decisions, irrigation practices, and nutrient management. The platform integrates insights from soil physics, hydrology, viticulture, and enology, transforming complex data into actionable information through a user-friendly visual interface. This innovative approach not only conserves water and reduces irrigation costs but also supports better environmental protection practices, ultimately leading to optimized quality yields in vineyards.

Phytoption

Grant in 2016
Phytoption LLC, founded in 2011 and based in West Lafayette, Indiana, specializes in developing biopolymers derived from phytoglycogen. The company focuses on producing natural ingredients and sustainable materials from agricultural commodities for various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, cosmetics, and food and beverage. Phytoption's products aim to enhance product shelf life, sensory properties, bioavailability, functionality, and nutritional value. By addressing solubility challenges, the company supports its clients in the personal care, agricultural, and food industries. Inquiries from customers can be managed through phone, email, and online platforms.

WisdomTools

Grant in 2014
WisdomTools LLC specializes in developing immersive, story-driven eLearning technologies tailored for various sectors, including education, finance, insurance, and government. Founded in 1998 and based in Bloomington, Indiana, the company creates customized training solutions that encompass virtual world simulations, serious games, and augmented reality applications. These solutions are designed for both individual learners and group settings, offering a blend of eLearning and instructor-led courses. WisdomTools also provides extensive services such as game design, instructional design, and usability testing, with a focus on creating accessible content for individuals with disabilities. The company emphasizes the importance of contextual learning to enhance knowledge retention across diverse subjects, including STEM and space exploration. WisdomTools operates as a subsidiary of Information in Place, Inc.

Nano Meta Technologies

Grant in 2014
Nano-Meta Technologies develops and commercializes intellectual property. The company offers nano-antennas for heat-assisted magnetic data recording, ultra-thin optical elements, meta-surfaces, and chemical/bio/medical sensing and probing applications. It was founded in 2010 and headquartered in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Purdue Research Foundation

Grant in 2013
Purdue Research Foundation is dedicated to enhancing Purdue University's mission of excellence in discovery, learning, and engagement through the effective management of its assets. Established in 1930 and based in West Lafayette, Indiana, the Foundation plays a pivotal role in supporting the university's strategic initiatives by providing resources for technology transfer, intellectual property management, and real estate development. It oversees the Purdue Research Park, which fosters business incubation and offers networking opportunities and various services to its tenants. Additionally, the Foundation is actively involved in acquiring real estate to support the university's growth across its main campus and regional centers, thereby contributing to broader economic development efforts in the region.

Phytoption

Grant in 2013
Phytoption LLC, founded in 2011 and based in West Lafayette, Indiana, specializes in developing biopolymers derived from phytoglycogen. The company focuses on producing natural ingredients and sustainable materials from agricultural commodities for various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, cosmetics, and food and beverage. Phytoption's products aim to enhance product shelf life, sensory properties, bioavailability, functionality, and nutritional value. By addressing solubility challenges, the company supports its clients in the personal care, agricultural, and food industries. Inquiries from customers can be managed through phone, email, and online platforms.

Spensa Technologies

Grant in 2013
Spensa Technologies Inc., founded in 2009 and based in West Lafayette, Indiana, develops innovative software solutions for the agricultural industry. The company offers various products, including OpenScout, a scouting application that allows users to record and tag notes and photos from fields, and MyTraps, a mobile tool for collecting and visualizing pest data. Additionally, Spensa provides Z-Trap, a system that utilizes smart insect traps to analyze and predict insect populations in agricultural settings. With a focus on reducing reliance on manual labor and promoting eco-friendly farming practices, Spensa Technologies aims to enhance crop production efficiency through its expertise in wireless sensor networks, robotics, and computer vision. As of 2018, Spensa operates as a subsidiary of Telvent DTN, LLC.

Medtric Biotech

Grant in 2012
Medtric Biotech, LLC specializes in the development and commercialization of antibiotic-free germicidal solutions for various sectors, including medical, consumer, industrial, and agricultural applications. The company employs water-based nano-emulsion technology that utilizes plant-derived compounds as antimicrobial agents. Medtric offers a range of products, including wound care items, hand sanitizers, skin antiseptics, and sanitizing solutions designed to prolong shelf life and enhance consumer health. Founded in 2010 and based in Lafayette, Indiana, Medtric aims to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance by providing clinically robust and economically viable wound care solutions. The company is focused on innovation and plans to expand into the clinical and over-the-counter wound care markets, while also exploring alternative applications for its technology, such as treating acne and other topical infections.

SmarterShade

Grant in 2012
SmarterShade is a clean technology company based in South Bend, Indiana, specializing in innovative light-control solutions for windows and other glass surfaces. Utilizing proprietary technology, SmarterShade allows users to electronically darken windows, skylights, and rear-view mirrors on demand, enhancing both privacy and energy efficiency. This technology can be applied to various settings, including residential and commercial buildings, enabling individuals to control the amount of light that enters their spaces. By integrating this adaptable window treatment into daylighting and natural heating strategies, SmarterShade has the potential to significantly reduce energy costs, contributing to substantial savings in the United States.
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