National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency in the United States that funds and supports research and education in science and engineering. It funds fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering and administers non-dilutive funding programs to aid early‑stage technology development, helping translate discoveries into commercially viable products and services. Through grants and fellowships, the NSF supports researchers, educators, and startups, contributing to innovation and U.S. competitiveness. The agency operates with a substantial budget to advance science, engineering, and STEM education nationwide.

James Donlon

Program Director

Sean L. Jones

Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Debasis Majumdar

Program Director

Graciela Narcho

Staff Associate

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Past deals in Missouri

University of Missouri

Grant in 2023
Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri is a comprehensive public university located in Columbia, Missouri. It offers over 280 degree programs across various fields, including medicine and law. With around 30,000 students from diverse backgrounds, Mizzou is known for its competitive admissions process considering factors such as GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and extracurricular involvement. The university provides academic merit scholarships and federal aid to support students financially.

Aesir Technologies

Grant in 2022
Æsir Technologies focuses on the development and commercialization of advanced Nickel-Zinc (Ni-Zn) battery technologies that offer a sustainable and non-toxic alternative to traditional lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Incorporated in 2011, the company operates a research and development facility in Bozeman, Montana, and a low-rate initial production facility in Joplin, Missouri. Æsir's innovative battery solutions are designed to meet the needs of various sectors, including trucking, marine, telecommunications, and industrial storage applications, while ensuring that the materials used are easily recyclable and safe for the environment.

Makefully

Grant in 2021
Makefully is a media company committed to creating meaningful, purposeful, and influential learning environments and educational media. The company's headquarters are in Kansas City, Missouri.

Plastomics

Grant in 2020
Plastomics is a biotechnology company focused on chloroplast genetic engineering to enhance crop yields and nutritional quality. Its technology platform enables precise insertion of beneficial traits into chloroplasts, reducing cross-pollination and shortening breeding timelines. The company employs gene stacking and rapid breeding approaches to develop biotech crops with a broader set of traits, addressing industry challenges in seed development. Plastomics' approach is applicable across multiple crops and trait areas, supporting commercial trait expression while aiming to lower production costs. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Infecho Scientific

Grant in 2020
Infecho Scientific specializes in instrumentation research and development. The company was founded in May 2017 and is headquartered in Columbia, Missouri.

ZAF Energy Systems

Grant in 2019
ZAF Energy Systems, Inc. is a technology company based in Joplin, Missouri, that specializes in developing and commercializing innovative rechargeable batteries, including nickel zinc and zinc air types. Founded in 2011 by Craig Wilkins, the company focuses on creating high-performance battery solutions that are safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective. Its products serve a wide range of applications, such as home and commercial backup storage, renewable energy integration, mobile communication networks, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles. ZAF Energy Systems aims to enhance the performance of electrical devices, offering longer run times for gadgets, increased travel range for electric vehicles, and improved efficiency for renewable energy systems.

Harris-Stowe State University

Grant in 2019
Harris-Stowe State University, founded in 1856, is a historically Black institution located in St. Louis, Missouri. Its mission is to meet the higher‑education needs of the metropolitan region. The campus offers more than a dozen bachelor’s programs, including biology, education, professional interdisciplinary studies, urban studies, and business degrees through the Anheuser‑Busch School of Business. Modern residence halls opened in 2006 provide housing for non‑married undergraduates. A dedicated financial‑aid office helps students access state, federal, and private assistance. Admission requires a high‑school diploma or GED, completion of Missouri’s core curriculum, and submission of transcripts and test scores, with FAFSA encouraged.

Makefully

Grant in 2019
Makefully is a media company committed to creating meaningful, purposeful, and influential learning environments and educational media. The company's headquarters are in Kansas City, Missouri.

PatientsVoices

Grant in 2018
PatientsVoices, LLC is a healthcare technology company based in Parkville, Missouri, founded in 2013. The company operates a platform that utilizes data analytics to transform patient feedback—derived from surveys, social media, and complaints—into actionable insights for hospitals. By employing experts in computing and linguistics, PatientsVoices has developed a system that automatically categorizes feedback into improvement priorities from the patient's perspective. This platform not only helps hospital administrators understand how to enhance patient satisfaction but also aims to increase Medicare reimbursements by summarizing patient insights into a user-friendly format. Currently, the platform is being tested in various hospitals, demonstrating its potential to significantly improve patient care experiences.

Nanopore Diagnostics

Grant in 2018
Nanopore Diagnostics, LLC is a St. Louis-based company founded in 2011 that specializes in developing rapid and portable diagnostic products for bacterial infections. Its flagship product, The iNDxer, is a nanopore sensor designed to count dilute amounts of nucleic acid biomarkers directly in minimally processed samples. This technology allows for the detection of RNA markers specific to pathogenic bacteria, enabling physicians to accurately identify the presence of harmful microbes. By providing timely and precise diagnostic information, Nanopore Diagnostics aims to assist healthcare providers in making informed antibiotic decisions, ultimately reducing healthcare costs and combating antibiotic resistance. The company's focus on delivering microbiology lab-quality testing at the patient's side represents a significant advancement in the field of diagnostics.

Aware Vehicles

Grant in 2018
Aware Vehicles is a Kansas City, Missouri-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in the development of autonomous drones. These drones are engineered to capture and analyze spectral aerial images, utilizing advanced imaging techniques and artificial intelligence. Aware Vehicles' technology serves various industries, including precision agriculture, defense, disaster response, logistics, and infrastructure. By providing precise asset inspection and enhancing emergency response and communication capabilities, the company aims to deliver innovative solutions that address critical needs across multiple sectors.

InnoCit

Grant in 2017
InnoCit is a technology transfer and product development company founded in 2014 and headquartered in Saint James, Missouri. The company specializes in the development of advanced power electronic converters and technologies, offering a comprehensive platform that supports various applications, including solar energy, energy storage, and automotive sectors. InnoCit provides a range of services, including the design of electrical and mechanical hardware, simulations, thermal analysis, controller design, embedded logic, printed circuit board design, and testing. Through its innovative approach, InnoCit aims to enable users to utilize energy more efficiently and sustainably.

Arch Innotek

Grant in 2017
Arch Innotek, LLC is a biotechnology company based in St. Louis, Missouri, that specializes in engineering microorganisms to produce natural ingredients beneficial for human and animal health. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on developing high-value molecules for various industries, including food, feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Arch Innotek employs innovative fermentation processes, utilizing yeast to create natural carotenoid antioxidants and other sustainable ingredients. The company also offers services such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, protein purification, and molecular cloning, supporting its mission to provide healthier and affordable natural alternatives for consumers.

PixelEXX Systems

Grant in 2017
PixelEXX Systems Inc. is a company based in Saint Louis, Missouri, that specializes in developing innovative imaging devices aimed at cancer diagnosis. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on creating prototype imaging technologies that utilize advanced nanoarrays to capture images of molecular signals linked to cellular activity. Their proprietary image sensors incorporate novel nano resonant photodiodes, which enhance sensitivity and allow for the capture of wavelength and polarization information without relying on microlenses, filters, or separate metasurfaces. This unique approach enables clients to optimize imaging and sensing capabilities while reducing size, weight, and power consumption of the devices.

PatientsVoices

Grant in 2016
PatientsVoices, LLC is a healthcare technology company based in Parkville, Missouri, founded in 2013. The company operates a platform that utilizes data analytics to transform patient feedback—derived from surveys, social media, and complaints—into actionable insights for hospitals. By employing experts in computing and linguistics, PatientsVoices has developed a system that automatically categorizes feedback into improvement priorities from the patient's perspective. This platform not only helps hospital administrators understand how to enhance patient satisfaction but also aims to increase Medicare reimbursements by summarizing patient insights into a user-friendly format. Currently, the platform is being tested in various hospitals, demonstrating its potential to significantly improve patient care experiences.

University of Missouri

Grant in 2016
Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri is a comprehensive public university located in Columbia, Missouri. It offers over 280 degree programs across various fields, including medicine and law. With around 30,000 students from diverse backgrounds, Mizzou is known for its competitive admissions process considering factors such as GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and extracurricular involvement. The university provides academic merit scholarships and federal aid to support students financially.

Applied Particle Technology

Grant in 2015
Applied Particle Technology, founded in 2014 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, specializes in advanced air filtration technologies aimed at removing microscopic particles from the air. The company develops efficient air purification products that utilize a novel charge, capture, and inactivation technology, making them suitable for applications in hospitals, clean rooms, and other specialized environments. In addition to air filtration, Applied Particle Technology also offers environmental sensors designed to measure key parameters, including both fixed and wearable devices that detect aerosols. These sensors employ patented technology to monitor dust emissions, ensuring compliance with safety standards and protecting workers in potentially hazardous environments. Through its innovative solutions, the company addresses critical air quality issues while enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

PixelEXX Systems

Grant in 2014
PixelEXX Systems Inc. is a company based in Saint Louis, Missouri, that specializes in developing innovative imaging devices aimed at cancer diagnosis. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on creating prototype imaging technologies that utilize advanced nanoarrays to capture images of molecular signals linked to cellular activity. Their proprietary image sensors incorporate novel nano resonant photodiodes, which enhance sensitivity and allow for the capture of wavelength and polarization information without relying on microlenses, filters, or separate metasurfaces. This unique approach enables clients to optimize imaging and sensing capabilities while reducing size, weight, and power consumption of the devices.

PatientsVoices

Grant in 2014
PatientsVoices, LLC is a healthcare technology company based in Parkville, Missouri, founded in 2013. The company operates a platform that utilizes data analytics to transform patient feedback—derived from surveys, social media, and complaints—into actionable insights for hospitals. By employing experts in computing and linguistics, PatientsVoices has developed a system that automatically categorizes feedback into improvement priorities from the patient's perspective. This platform not only helps hospital administrators understand how to enhance patient satisfaction but also aims to increase Medicare reimbursements by summarizing patient insights into a user-friendly format. Currently, the platform is being tested in various hospitals, demonstrating its potential to significantly improve patient care experiences.

Observable Networks

Grant in 2014
Observable offers Network Security-as-a-Service providing automated security analytics and modeling to continuously analyze the behavior of all network devices. Observable Networks, the Clayton-based network security startup.

OpenCell Technologies

Grant in 2013
Founded in 2008, OpenCell Technologies specializes in providing efficient transfection tools for life science researchers. Its platform enables the use of difficult-to-transfect cells like primary and cancer stem cell cultures, facilitating high-throughput analysis techniques and discovery of new therapeutic cell-based therapies.

Observable Networks

Grant in 2012
Observable offers Network Security-as-a-Service providing automated security analytics and modeling to continuously analyze the behavior of all network devices. Observable Networks, the Clayton-based network security startup.

PixelEXX Systems

Grant in 2012
PixelEXX Systems Inc. is a company based in Saint Louis, Missouri, that specializes in developing innovative imaging devices aimed at cancer diagnosis. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on creating prototype imaging technologies that utilize advanced nanoarrays to capture images of molecular signals linked to cellular activity. Their proprietary image sensors incorporate novel nano resonant photodiodes, which enhance sensitivity and allow for the capture of wavelength and polarization information without relying on microlenses, filters, or separate metasurfaces. This unique approach enables clients to optimize imaging and sensing capabilities while reducing size, weight, and power consumption of the devices.

QM Power

Grant in 2012
QM Power, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, designs and manufactures magnetic circuits and electronic controllers for electric motors, generators, and actuators. Its product line includes synchronous and electronic‑start motors and fan motors for commercial refrigeration and HVAC systems such as reach‑in display cases, vending machines, ice machines, ERV‑HRVs, VAVs, furnace fans, and agricultural ventilation. The company leverages proprietary technologies—QSync, Parallel Path Magnetic Technology, PPMT, PMC, QSR, QTorq, and QStor—to deliver low‑cost, high‑efficiency solutions that reduce energy consumption in refrigeration and other applications. QM Power collaborates with academic and commercial partners to develop prototypes and offers financing, services, and online sales to customers worldwide.

Agrivida

Grant in 2007
Agrivida, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in animal health and nutrition through the development of innovative feed additives for poultry, swine, dairy and beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida utilizes its proprietary GRAINZYME technology to produce enzymes directly within corn kernels, offering a natural and effective method to enhance animal diets. This platform enables the integration of beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase, which improve nutritional efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. Agrivida's solutions aim to promote healthier food production while delivering economic benefits to its clients in the agricultural sector.

Agrivida

Grant in 2006
Agrivida, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in animal health and nutrition through the development of innovative feed additives for poultry, swine, dairy and beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida utilizes its proprietary GRAINZYME technology to produce enzymes directly within corn kernels, offering a natural and effective method to enhance animal diets. This platform enables the integration of beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase, which improve nutritional efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. Agrivida's solutions aim to promote healthier food production while delivering economic benefits to its clients in the agricultural sector.

Agrivida

Grant in 2005
Agrivida, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in animal health and nutrition through the development of innovative feed additives for poultry, swine, dairy and beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida utilizes its proprietary GRAINZYME technology to produce enzymes directly within corn kernels, offering a natural and effective method to enhance animal diets. This platform enables the integration of beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase, which improve nutritional efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. Agrivida's solutions aim to promote healthier food production while delivering economic benefits to its clients in the agricultural sector.
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