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 Aerospace

Piersica

Grant in 2024
Piersica is a battery technology company focused on advancing the commercialization of safe solid-state lithium-ion batteries. These batteries offer twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion options, making them suitable for applications in electric propulsion for both terrestrial and aerial vehicles, as well as for energy storage solutions in utility sectors. By utilizing proprietary technology, Piersica develops batteries featuring high-rate lithium-metal anodes, thin solid separators, and high-voltage cathodes. This innovation not only enhances the performance of batteries but also supports environmental sustainability by providing businesses with greener energy storage solutions.

Orbital Services Corporation (OSCorp)

Grant in 2024
OSCorp is an in-space services company that safeguards the space domain and builds a thriving in-space economy. OSCorp develops cutting-edge technologies at the nexus of GN and C, AI/ML, LiDAR sensors, space robotics, and lasercom terminals. The company aims to revolutionize space operations by delivering strategic capabilities for the U.S. government and commercial space operators. It also aims to provide government operators with unparalleled situational awareness and enable them to execute tactically responsive space operations to protect strategic government and commercial space assets, and the services they provide, from denial, disruption, destruction, or degradation.

National Air and Space Museum

Grant in 2023
The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution has the world's biggest and most significant collection of aviation and space objects, including all aspects of human flight, as well as associated works of art and archive materials. It operates two iconic facilities that accommodate more than eight million visitors every year, making it the country's most visited museum. The Center for Earth and Planetary Studies is also housed there.

Advisory Aerospace OSC

Grant in 2023
Advisory Aerospace OSC is a management consulting firm that enables aerospace transformations and transactions. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Grant in 2022
North Carolina A&T State University is so many things to so many people, both in our state and around the country. North Carolina A&T State University is an HBCU. We are a top-flight research university, the largest historically black university (HBCU) in the country, the #1 producer of degrees awarded to African Americans in North Carolina and nationally recognized or our excellence in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) education. We are a diverse community, bound by intense pride and tradition, with fiercely loyal alumni who hold positions of importance and influence in companies and government agencies across the state, the country and the world. We are achievers, driven by a curious, limitless, fearless spirit that fuels discovery and innovation, resulting in 41 patents issued based on our research, as well as numerous spin-off and start-up companies. We are inclusive and welcoming, with students from many backgrounds and cultures, every part of our state, our nation and countries around the globe. We are passionate, driven by a desire to do more, be more and make more of a difference. Since we opened our doors in 1892, we have focused on giving every student the hands-on opportunities, core knowledge and global perspective that will lead them to make real and lasting change in their lives and the lives of others. At N.C. A&T, we have so much to be proud of, and you can learn more about those "Points of Pride" here. You can also use the links below to learn more about what makes N.C. A&T unique, from our leadership and history to our many rankings and recognitions.

Stoke Space

Grant in 2022
Stoke Space is dedicated to developing a fully reusable medium-lift rocket named Nova, aimed at providing cost-effective and sustainable access to space. The company focuses on creating rockets that can be reused multiple times, offering low-cost, on-demand launch services designed for daily operations. By emphasizing sustainability, Stoke Space seeks to reduce the atmospheric impact of space missions while supporting the growth of the space economy. Their vertically integrated design and manufacturing capabilities enable them to deliver reliable solutions for clients looking to launch satellites efficiently and sustainably.

Xona Space Systems

Grant in 2022
Xona Space Systems, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite solutions. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company is focused on creating a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth orbiting satellites designed to enhance navigation for various applications, including autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mobile robotics. Their flagship product, the Xona Pulsar, delivers high-power signals from low Earth orbit, ensuring secure and accurate navigation and timing services. This innovative approach aims to meet the demands of smart transportation and smart infrastructure, providing the resilience and precision necessary for modern intelligent systems to operate safely and efficiently at scale.

Circle Optics

Grant in 2022
Circle Optics, Inc. specializes in developing innovative camera technology that enables real-time, high-definition virtual reality video. Its parallax-free camera utilizes multiple polygonal lenses to capture panoramic images seamlessly, eliminating the need for image stitching. This technology serves a variety of sectors, including aerospace, autonomous systems, and entertainment. By providing an accurate representation of scenes without post-processing, Circle Optics enhances the delivery of critical resources, ensures safety in aerospace applications, improves surveillance capabilities, and transforms immersive experiences for content creators.

Torre Space and Power Systems

Grant in 2022
Torre Space and Power Systems specializes in developing innovative electrical power generation technologies tailored for spacecraft, orbiting platforms, and planetary bases. Utilizing the principles of magnetohydrodynamics, the company harnesses the naturally occurring high-energy ionized plasma emitted by the sun to create a new form of energy production in space. This technology aims to provide essential insights and solutions for various space applications, thereby supporting both governmental and commercial endeavors in the exploration and utilization of outer space.

NanoFlex Power

Grant in 2022
NanoFlex Power Corporation specializes in the research, development, commercialization, and licensing of advanced photovoltaic technologies focused on thin-film solar products. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, the company has established a portfolio of U.S. patents and international counterparts resulting from its sponsored research programs. Its innovations include Gallium Arsenide-based solar thin films and organic photovoltaic materials, which are designed for high efficiency, flexibility, and aesthetic applications such as semi-transparency and tinting. The technologies are applicable across a wide range of sectors, including portable and off-grid power generation, building-integrated photovoltaics, aerospace, and automotive industries, as well as Internet of Things applications. Founded in 1994, NanoFlex Power aims to unlock new opportunities in solar energy with its cost-effective and high-performance solutions.

Lunar Resources

Grant in 2021
Lunar Resources, founded in 2019 and based in Houston, Texas, focuses on developing energy generation and space environment technologies to support the economic construction of space infrastructure. The company aims to utilize resources available in space to promote large-scale commercialization of the Moon, particularly in power generation, resource extraction, and manufacturing systems. By leveraging these technologies, Lunar Resources seeks to enable various industries, including energy, defense, and aeronautics, to harness the abundant resources of space and foster the growth of a lunar and cislunar economy.

Howe Industries

Grant in 2021
Howe Industries specializes in developing innovative technologies for both space and terrestrial applications, leveraging expertise in nuclear technologies, thermal systems, and space propulsion. The company focuses on advancing space exploration through the creation of space-based power systems, which encompass radioisotope-fueled and reactor-based systems. These technologies aim to enhance capabilities for future missions, helping clients reach new destinations in space while also addressing challenges such as debris deorbiting and designing rovers for extreme environments like the surface of Mercury. Howe Industries is committed to propelling the human race further into space through its cutting-edge solutions.

Urban Sky

Grant in 2021
Urban Sky is focused on developing a groundbreaking reusable micro-satellite balloon designed for high-resolution Earth observation. This innovative vehicle utilizes advanced component miniaturization and balloon reusability to collect valuable aerial imagery and weather-related data over urban areas and vast landscapes. By operating in the stratosphere, Urban Sky significantly reduces the costs associated with traditional remote sensing methods, making it feasible to capture detailed imagery on a regular basis. This capability opens up new opportunities for clients in various industries to access precise satellite imagery, enhancing their understanding of urban environments and facilitating better decision-making. With its unique approach, Urban Sky aims to transform the way data is gathered from the near-space environment, providing insights that were previously unattainable.

Cambrian Works

Grant in 2021
Cambrian Works is a space technology development firm focused on enhancing fault-tolerant space communications networks. The company specializes in creating both hardware and software solutions designed to serve as a network provider for Earth and lunar constellation networks. Its offerings include network management tools that can function as standalone software or be integrated into the GigRouter, which facilitates connectivity and routing within spacecraft. Cambrian Works aims to provide clients with flexible connectivity options, enabling them to quickly establish low-latency and secure networks for effective communication with bus processors and crosslink and downlink terminals.

Apogee Semiconductor

Grant in 2021
Apogee Semiconductor specializes in semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on the development of radiation-hardened power, analog, and mixed-signal components. The company aims to enhance the accessibility of space technologies by providing solutions that bridge the gap between commercial and high-reliability semiconductor technologies. Apogee Semiconductor offers a range of radiation-hardened processes and integrated circuit designs that are tailored for extreme environments, ensuring reliability and performance. By utilizing cost-effective standard semiconductor processes, the company enables designers to create robust components suitable for applications in challenging conditions, thus supporting advancements in the aerospace sector and beyond.

Emerging Futures

Grant in 2021
Emerging Futures is a research and analysis consultancy that specializes in two primary areas: climate change mitigation and the commercial expansion of humanity into space. The company offers services that leverage deep subject matter expertise to analyze and forecast technological developments with the potential to foster a positive future. By focusing on these critical sectors, Emerging Futures aims to assist clients in transforming economic systems while exploring opportunities for humanity's expansion beyond Earth.

Space Domain Awareness

Grant in 2021
Space Domain Awareness encompasses the development of solutions for tracking space objects, which are essential for identifying and classifying on-orbit assets. The products offered in this sector enable the seamless integration of orbital information into existing space traffic management systems. This capability is crucial for various customers, including commercial entities, military organizations, and civil satellite operators, who require accurate and reliable data to monitor space activity. By providing tools that enhance the accountability, transparency, and predictability of space operations, Space Domain Awareness plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient use of the increasingly crowded orbital environment.

Epirus

Grant in 2021
Epirus, Inc. is a technology company based in Hawthorne, California, specializing in the design and development of advanced defense systems that utilize artificial intelligence and directed energy. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on creating solid-state, software-defined high-power microwave solutions aimed at countering unmanned aircraft systems and other asymmetric threats. Its flagship product, ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE, serves as a counter-infrastructure solution that can simultaneously target multiple threats, effectively neutralizing drones and swarms. By integrating AI and machine learning with advanced electronics, Epirus enhances the detection and tracking of objects of interest, offering innovative capabilities in electronic warfare and power management for both defense and commercial sectors.

StarNav

Grant in 2021
StarNav is a developer and manufacturer of satellite receivers focused on delivering accurate and reliable positioning data for both government and private sector applications. The company specializes in converting ambient non-GNSS radio signals, including cellular, television, and satellite transmissions, into precise positioning information. This innovative technology enables vehicles to operate safely even in environments where traditional GNSS signals are unavailable, addressing a critical need for reliable navigation solutions during complete GNSS denial.

SatVu

Series A in 2021
Satellite Vu specializes in thermal imaging satellite technology designed to monitor the temperature of buildings and infrastructure globally. By focusing on infrared and heat emissions, the company provides near real-time insights into economic activity, energy efficiency, and carbon footprints. This data supports various stakeholders, including the energy sector, investors, and sustainable finance initiatives, by offering actionable environmental insights. Additionally, Satellite Vu's technology aids natural disaster responders and building operators, contributing to informed decision-making on issues such as energy management and environmental sustainability.

Swift Solar

Grant in 2021
Swift Solar Inc. is a company that designs and manufactures lightweight solar panels and systems, focusing on advanced solar technology. Established in 2017 and headquartered in San Carlos, California, with an additional site in Golden, Colorado, Swift Solar specializes in perovskite solar cells, which are engineered to be more efficient and cost-effective than conventional solar panels. The company’s innovative approach involves creating ultra-thin perovskite films that absorb various parts of the solar spectrum, resulting in high-efficiency tandem solar cells. These cells not only enhance solar conversion efficiency but also provide significant weight advantages, making them suitable for applications in aerospace, automotive, and building sectors. Swift Solar emphasizes domestic manufacturing and utilizes abundant raw materials to ensure scalability in its operations.

Rotoye

Grant in 2021
Rotoye is a technology developer and researcher specializing in multirotor and avionics systems, established in 2017 and located in Marietta, Georgia. The company focuses on advancing aviation and aerospace component manufacturing by providing a range of electronics and battery accessories. These offerings enable clients to design and construct innovative mobile robotics and electronic drones, contributing to the evolution of the aerospace industry.

Vianair

Grant in 2021
Vianair develops an airspace information model to aid in the design and planning of airspace. The company is found in The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in New York.

Zeteo Tech

Grant in 2021
Zeteo Tech LLC is a defense technology company that focuses on researching, developing, prototyping, and commercializing innovative solutions in the fields of biodefense and medical devices. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Maryland, the company specializes in creating advanced instrumentation, such as fieldable biological mass spectrometers that can identify airborne microbes, proteins, and lipids. This technology aids in screening for infectious diseases and other biological threats, allowing healthcare professionals to automate detection in operational environments while reducing costs. Additionally, Zeteo Tech's portfolio includes air and water purification systems, portable power solutions, and technologies for CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives) detection and decontamination. The company serves a diverse clientele, including national security agencies, private enterprises, and government organizations within the United States.

Skyhaven Systems

Grant in 2021
Skyhaven Systems is a research and development firm headquartered in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with primary laboratories in Westford, Massachusetts. Established in 2017 through the merger of Reactive Innovations, LLC, the company specializes in addressing critical needs of the U.S. Government across the Defense, Energy, Aerospace, and Environmental sectors. Skyhaven employs advanced electrochemical engineering and reaction-based chemistry to tackle complex technical challenges, working closely with agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The firm focuses on innovative chemical process technologies, including reactor design and thermal management, to develop operational prototypes and deliver research findings. As a small business, Skyhaven retains technology rights from its government-funded projects, providing the government with a royalty-free license while also enabling the firm to pursue commercialization opportunities. This strategic approach allows Skyhaven to address high-risk development areas often overlooked by larger organizations, fostering innovation through government contracts and grants. The firm actively protects its intellectual property through patents and trade secrets, positioning itself for future growth in both governmental and commercial markets.

Airity Technologies

Grant in 2021
Airity Technologies is a deep-tech startup focused on power electronics, specializing in the development of advanced power supply units and conversion products. The company is dedicated to creating innovative circuit topologies that lead to extremely compact and power-dense high-voltage sources, offering units that are significantly smaller and more efficient than traditional alternatives. Airity's technology enables the generation of plasma in various environments, including open atmospheres and different gas mixtures under partial and hard vacuum conditions. This innovation serves multiple industries, including semiconductor, aerospace, telecommunications, and medical sectors, providing them with access to compact power supplies that enhance performance and reduce costs.

Ballydel Technologies

Grant in 2021
Ballydel Technologies is a research and development company founded in 2018 and based in Newark, Delaware. The company focuses on creating innovative material and technology solutions for various sectors, including space exploration, defense, public health, and societal applications. Ballydel specializes in areas such as nanocomposite design and synthesis, hypersonic materials and manufacturing, as well as pharmaceutical tagging and authentication. Through its expertise, Ballydel aims to assist clients in enhancing their existing products and optimizing their manufacturing processes.

Vertiq

Grant in 2021
Vertiq specializes in high-performance propulsion solutions for aerial vehicles and mobile robots. The company designs ultra-compact, integrated motors and electronic speed controllers (ESC) that feature embedded position sensors. These innovations, combined with advanced motor calibration and control software, provide vehicles with significant performance enhancements, such as extended flight times, improved maneuverability, and increased reliability. By optimizing motor performance and controllability, Vertiq enables its clients to elevate the capabilities of their vehicles, making them suitable for a range of applications in various industries.

Novo Aero Technology

Grant in 2021
Novo Aero Technology, Inc. specializes in the development of Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. Founded in 2018 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company utilizes an innovative lift-generating mechanism that incorporates ducted propellers positioned within the central fuselage. This design approach allows for a more compact powertrain with fewer moving parts compared to traditional helicopters, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. By enhancing the capabilities of VTOL aircraft, Novo Aero Technology aims to provide significant advantages to helicopter and business jet manufacturers over conventional aircraft designs.

Advisory Aerospace OSC

Grant in 2021
Advisory Aerospace OSC is a management consulting firm that enables aerospace transformations and transactions. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

US Air Tech

Grant in 2020
US Air Tech, based in Tucson, Arizona, specializes in the development of advanced satellite communication technologies, particularly a low-cost ground terminal and satellite module. The company has created an innovative satellite communication antenna that addresses critical challenges in satellite communication, such as high data volume throughput, data rate speed demands, and signal degradation due to atmospheric conditions. This antenna is protected by intellectual property rights and is designed to provide users with low noise signals, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of satellite communications.

Outward Technologies

Grant in 2020
Outward Technologies offers in-space manufacturing and space resource utilisation, which is a burgeoning industry seeing rapid growth. As they develop space infrastructure and human settlements on other planetary bodies,

Guardion

Grant in 2020
Guardion specializes in advanced sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and security through innovative detection systems. The company has developed the world's first radiation detector that leverages the unique quantum properties of nanomaterials, resulting in low-cost, sensitive, and energy-efficient devices suitable for widespread deployment. Guardion's products include analytical instruments and portable chemical and radiation detectors, designed for use in challenging environments across various sectors, including aerospace, medical, and national security. Recognized for its contributions to technology and innovation, Guardion received the MassChallenge 2017 Gold Prize and the Technology in Space Prize from the Center for Advancement in Science in Space and Boeing. In early 2018, the company was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Techstars Autonomous Tech Accelerator, sponsored by the Air Force.

ZIN Technologies

Grant in 2020
ZIN Technologies, Inc. is a manufacturer specializing in integrated products and spaceflight hardware, primarily serving NASA and Fortune 500 companies. Founded in 1957 and based in Cleveland, Ohio, the company engages in the design, fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, and operation of aerospace systems. It offers a wide range of services, including data acquisition, space systems engineering, and quality assurance for government and commercial applications. ZIN Technologies develops space flight hardware for various uses, such as mission planning, systems integration, and software development, as well as providing power conversion products and specialized data control systems. The company also supports industries like healthcare and electronics through engineering, modeling, simulation, and testing services.

University of Oklahoma

Grant in 2020
The University of Oklahoma is a public research university that offers a range of academic programs in various disciplines. It emphasizes research and scholarship, engaging students in hands-on learning experiences. It collaborates with multiple industries, including education, healthcare, energy, and aerospace.

Lux Semiconductors

Grant in 2020
Lux Semiconductors specializes in the development of crystalline thin-film semiconductors aimed at enhancing the integration of semiconductor chips. The company utilizes a proprietary system-on-foil platform that supports heterogeneous integration, allowing for the incorporation of silicon circuitry onto a patterned flexible silicon substrate. This innovative approach enables the production of densely integrated, durable, lightweight, and flexible devices. Lux Semiconductors' technology serves a variety of sectors, including aerospace, defense, clean energy, medical, and consumer internet-of-things electronics, facilitating the fabrication of advanced electronic components that address current industry challenges.

Circle Optics

Grant in 2020
Circle Optics, Inc. specializes in developing innovative camera technology that enables real-time, high-definition virtual reality video. Its parallax-free camera utilizes multiple polygonal lenses to capture panoramic images seamlessly, eliminating the need for image stitching. This technology serves a variety of sectors, including aerospace, autonomous systems, and entertainment. By providing an accurate representation of scenes without post-processing, Circle Optics enhances the delivery of critical resources, ensures safety in aerospace applications, improves surveillance capabilities, and transforms immersive experiences for content creators.

Maverick Space Systems

Grant in 2020
Maverick Space Systems, founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California, specializes in satellite deployment hardware along with integration and launch brokering services. The company provides customized and cost-effective solutions for satellite deployment, managing development and launch campaigns for university programs, government missions, and commercial constellations. By offering seamless, turn-key services, Maverick Space Systems enables its customers to efficiently and effectively place their payloads into orbit across North America.

G-Space

Grant in 2020
G-Space is a company focused on space manufacturing and the development of advanced materials through an AI-powered software platform. The platform is designed to optimize materials and manufacturing processes by eliminating the effects of gravity, allowing for rapid prototyping and commercialization of innovative materials. G-Space specializes in creating heavy metal fluoride glass products, providing clients with unique design parameters that enhance the performance and capabilities of various applications.

Blue Cranium

Grant in 2020
Blue Cranium develops cutting-edge technology solutions for the commercial, medical, transportation, space, and defense industries. Comsat Architects has been established as a trade name by Blue Cranium LLC.

Aerogel Technologies

Grant in 2020
Aerogel Technologies is an online distributor and manufacturer specializing in aerogel materials, providing a range of products including silica, carbon, and polymer-based aerogels. The company offers innovative solutions such as its proprietary Airloy, a mechanically robust aerogel that can be produced from various materials including carbon, metals, and ceramics. Aerogel Technologies caters to diverse sectors, supplying ultralight, super-insulating, and soundproofing materials for aerospace, automotive, and cold chain applications. To enhance the availability of aerogel technologies in the United States and ensure competitive pricing, the company invests in automation and process innovation, while also focusing on creating next-generation job opportunities.

Astrolabe Analytics

Grant in 2020
Astrolabe Analytics specializes in battery data management and predictive analytics, catering to various sectors, including automotive, electric vehicles, aerospace, and grid storage. The company has developed an analytics platform that serves partners across the battery value chain, from materials developers to systems integrators. By providing customized insights and solutions, Astrolabe Analytics aims to enhance business outcomes, accelerate time-to-market, and facilitate informed decision-making. In addition to its platform, the company also offers consulting services to support its clients in optimizing their battery-related operations.

GelSight

Grant in 2020
GelSight, Inc. specializes in advanced sensor technology solutions for precise surface measurements. The company has developed the GelSight benchtop scanner, which captures the surface geometry of various materials and accurately measures rigid objects across a wide range of scales. Their innovative technology allows for detailed three-dimensional visualization and measurement, revealing features that are not discernible to the naked eye, and providing dimensional accuracy to single-digit microns. GelSight's products are utilized in diverse sectors, including aerospace, electronics, and forensics, as well as in academic and research environments. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, GelSight continues to enhance its offerings while addressing the evolving surface measurement needs of its clients.

Lunar Resources

Grant in 2020
Lunar Resources, founded in 2019 and based in Houston, Texas, focuses on developing energy generation and space environment technologies to support the economic construction of space infrastructure. The company aims to utilize resources available in space to promote large-scale commercialization of the Moon, particularly in power generation, resource extraction, and manufacturing systems. By leveraging these technologies, Lunar Resources seeks to enable various industries, including energy, defense, and aeronautics, to harness the abundant resources of space and foster the growth of a lunar and cislunar economy.

Xona Space Systems

Grant in 2020
Xona Space Systems, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite solutions. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company is focused on creating a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth orbiting satellites designed to enhance navigation for various applications, including autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mobile robotics. Their flagship product, the Xona Pulsar, delivers high-power signals from low Earth orbit, ensuring secure and accurate navigation and timing services. This innovative approach aims to meet the demands of smart transportation and smart infrastructure, providing the resilience and precision necessary for modern intelligent systems to operate safely and efficiently at scale.

Off Planet Research

Grant in 2020
Off Planet Research, founded in 2015 and based in Lacey, Washington, operates a facility dedicated to extraterrestrial research. The company specializes in creating environments that simulate conditions found on the Moon and other planetary bodies, which allows for the testing of space technology and the conduct of research and development. Off Planet Research provides high-quality simulants that replicate lunar regolith and ice, enabling researchers to design, adapt, and test components and processes for future lunar and off-world missions. This approach enhances mission assurance, improves cost-effectiveness, and accelerates the development of safe and effective space-based technologies.

Boston Materials

Seed Round in 2020
Boston Materials, Inc. is a manufacturer of advanced composite materials, specializing in 3D reinforced carbon fiber pre-pregs. Founded in 2016 and based in Bedford, Massachusetts, the company utilizes patented Z-axis Fiber technology, which incorporates vertically aligned carbon fibers to enhance energy transfer properties. Its product line includes Carbon Supercomposite, a magnetically assembled carbon fiber pre-preg, which finds applications across various sectors such as aerospace, automotive, marine, wind energy, and sports equipment. Boston Materials' advanced materials aim to improve thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties, offering a roll-to-roll manufacturing process with in-line quality control and an annual production capacity of one million square meters. These innovations enable industries like semiconductors and electrified vehicles to achieve greater efficiency, reliability, and weight reduction while addressing critical challenges in durability and performance.

Interphase Materials

Grant in 2020
Interphase Materials Holdings, LLC, established in 2015 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing advanced materials and surface treatment technologies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of industrial cooling systems. The company's innovative solutions focus on improving heat transfer and reducing maintenance costs, catering to a diverse clientele that includes power plants, commercial and industrial HVAC systems, international heat exchanger manufacturers, and the U.S. Navy. Interphase's HTE system has demonstrated an improvement in heat exchanger heat transfer efficiency by 5-10% in preliminary tests, solidifying its role in advancing cooling technologies.

Orbit Fab

Grant in 2020
Orbit Fab, Inc. is a company focused on developing orbital propellant depots to support satellite servicing and expand the operational capabilities of space assets. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company provides various products, including the Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI) for on-orbit refueling and docking, as well as prototypes of rigid and flexible tankers for the International Space Station (ISS). By creating the necessary infrastructure for in-space fuel supply, Orbit Fab aims to foster a growing market for satellite maintenance and new industries such as space tourism, manufacturing, and mining. Their technology enhances the flexibility and operational lifespan of satellites, enabling operators to acquire fuel and materials as needed, thus transforming the way satellites are serviced in orbit.

Parallel Flight Technologies

Grant in 2020
Parallel Flight Technologies is focused on developing advanced drone technology aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in various applications. The company specializes in designing heavy-lift unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that utilize proprietary parallel hybrid technology. This innovative approach includes a unique feature that allows drones to maintain flight stability in the event of engine failures, thereby improving safety for large unmanned systems. Through its technology, Parallel Flight Technologies aims to contribute positively to society by saving lives, protecting property, and benefiting the environment.

Aeromutable

Grant in 2020
Aeromutable operates in the trucking industry, focusing on the design and development of aerodynamic-enhancement systems for heavy vehicles. The company specializes in flow control technologies that dynamically alter the aerodynamic behavior of these vehicles. By sensing their surroundings, Aeromutable's technology actively modifies the perceived shape of heavy vehicles, leading to reduced fuel consumption and improved maneuverability and safety. This innovation aids heavy vehicle manufacturers in achieving significant drag reduction and enhancing stability within their fleets.

Lucida Research

Grant in 2020
Lucida Research provides research and development in optical gun sights. Their research and development conducted under this project will enhance scientific and technological understanding of optical beam steering and optical guidance techniques applicable to broad fields of science and engineering, such as astronomy, missile tracking, remote sensing, and self-driving cars.

Akrobotix

Grant in 2019
Akrobotix is a research and product development startup that specializes in autonomous systems and robotics technology across various domains, including space, air, land, and sea. The company has developed an autopilot system tailored for fully autonomous unmanned aerial, ground, and marine vehicles. By integrating multi-modal situational awareness information, Akrobotix creates reliable and reproducible mission plans specific to various applications. This technology aims to enhance operational safety and efficiency, providing businesses with mission planning software that is focused on industry-specific needs.

Howe Industries

Grant in 2019
Howe Industries specializes in developing innovative technologies for both space and terrestrial applications, leveraging expertise in nuclear technologies, thermal systems, and space propulsion. The company focuses on advancing space exploration through the creation of space-based power systems, which encompass radioisotope-fueled and reactor-based systems. These technologies aim to enhance capabilities for future missions, helping clients reach new destinations in space while also addressing challenges such as debris deorbiting and designing rovers for extreme environments like the surface of Mercury. Howe Industries is committed to propelling the human race further into space through its cutting-edge solutions.

Clarkson University

Grant in 2019
Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York is the perfect school in which to attend an undergraduate or graduate program. Among the many programs available for study are Aeronautical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Health Sciences, Global Supply Chain Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Pre-Law, Pre-Medical Sciences, Social Documentation, and Software Engineering. Clarkson University offers many services to ensure that students have every opportunity in the world to succeed. The campus tutoring services cover most of the programs offered at the school. Group tutoring is offered on a weekly basis. The counseling center is available for students who are unsure of their path and need somebody understanding to talk to. The student health center is available to see to the student body’s health needs. Financial aid options include loans, grants, work-study, and scholarships to those who qualify. When you begin your job hunt, the career center is available to support you with its many resources. Opportunities for internships or co-ops can be accessed there. The many webshops and online tutorials can illustrate how to search for a job. There are also career days and fairs where your future employer may be waiting to meet you. There’s so much to learn about Clarkson University, you’ll just have to contact the school yourself to find out more!

Mstatt

Grant in 2019
Mstatt develops photonic technologies for the healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, and defense industries. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

Recon-RF

Grant in 2019
Recon RF specializes in the design and manufacture of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), mixers, and transmit/receive (T/R) cells, which are essential for creating integrated microwave assemblies and modules operating from DC to over 140 GHz. The company is known for its advanced GaN solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) design capabilities, allowing for the development of custom ultra-high-efficiency SSPAs in various configurations, including MMIC and Hybrid-MIC forms. Additionally, Recon RF utilizes parallel computing techniques to optimize on-chip component values with electromagnetic (EM) accuracy, facilitating the exploration of design alternatives and the verification of large-scale system performance. This innovative approach enhances product development and amplifier efficiency for their clients.

MITO

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.

AirSpeQ

Grant in 2019
Improving the world for plants, animals and people by commercializing sensors for fine and ultrafine particulate matter detection. Based on MEMS and Thin FBAR technology. Funded by National Science Foundation (NSF) Seed Fund for America, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and others. Finalist NASA Earth Space Air Prize. Winner Cutting Edge Award Shanghai/Yangpu Global Startup Competition. Winner 2019 Red Herring Top 100 North American Companies award.

Airgility

Grant in 2019
Airgility specializes in the design and manufacture of unmanned aerial systems, focusing on advanced drone technology. Their product lineup includes the DS-1 Minotaur and solutions for counter-drone operations and perimeter defense. These artificially intelligent drones are capable of operating in confined spaces where GPS signals may be weak or unavailable, allowing clients to obtain real-time information. This capability enhances decision-making during critical situations, such as disaster response or various inspection and assessment tasks. Airgility addresses customer inquiries through multiple channels, including phone, email, and online applications.

PrintFoam

Grant in 2019
PrintFoam specializes in 3D printing services that utilize foamed materials to create lighter and more cost-effective components. By employing advanced materials formulation and manufacturing techniques, the company produces innovative foam products that can be tailored to meet specific requirements across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and construction. Their technology allows for adjustments in foam porosity and matrix properties, resulting in enhanced compressive strength and reduced material expenses. This combination of benefits positions PrintFoam as a valuable partner for businesses seeking efficient and effective additive manufacturing solutions.

Phoenix Tailings

Grant in 2019
Phoenix Tailings Inc. is a Massachusetts-based company that focuses on the recycling and re-mining of mining tailings and hazardous by-products, such as Bauxite Residue, to produce essential metal products. Founded in 2019, the company aims to extract strategic materials critical to various industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, biotechnology, and electronics. By treating mining and refining waste as new ore, Phoenix Tailings provides an innovative solution to eliminate hazardous environmental waste while creating primary metals sustainably and economically. This approach not only addresses the demand for metals in multiple sectors but also promotes environmentally friendly practices by offering carbon-free alternatives.

Squishy Robotics

Grant in 2019
Squishy Robotics Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Berkeley, California, specializes in developing mobile sensing robots designed for disaster rescue, remote monitoring, and space exploration. These robots, characterized by their shape-shifting, tensegrity structures, are lightweight, cost-effective, and capable of traversing challenging terrains. They are equipped with a range of sensors, including visual, audio, chemical, biological, radiological, and GPS, enabling them to provide crucial situational awareness and sensor data to first responders in hazardous environments. The company's primary focus is on the HazMat and CBRNE response market, where their technology enhances safety and efficiency in emergency situations. Squishy Robotics envisions future applications for its customizable platform, which may extend to scientific monitoring, delivery services, smart home appliances, and educational tools for various audiences including students and hobbyists.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Grant in 2019
North Carolina A&T State University is so many things to so many people, both in our state and around the country. North Carolina A&T State University is an HBCU. We are a top-flight research university, the largest historically black university (HBCU) in the country, the #1 producer of degrees awarded to African Americans in North Carolina and nationally recognized or our excellence in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) education. We are a diverse community, bound by intense pride and tradition, with fiercely loyal alumni who hold positions of importance and influence in companies and government agencies across the state, the country and the world. We are achievers, driven by a curious, limitless, fearless spirit that fuels discovery and innovation, resulting in 41 patents issued based on our research, as well as numerous spin-off and start-up companies. We are inclusive and welcoming, with students from many backgrounds and cultures, every part of our state, our nation and countries around the globe. We are passionate, driven by a desire to do more, be more and make more of a difference. Since we opened our doors in 1892, we have focused on giving every student the hands-on opportunities, core knowledge and global perspective that will lead them to make real and lasting change in their lives and the lives of others. At N.C. A&T, we have so much to be proud of, and you can learn more about those "Points of Pride" here. You can also use the links below to learn more about what makes N.C. A&T unique, from our leadership and history to our many rankings and recognitions.

Labsys

Grant in 2019
Labsys, founded in 2011 and headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, specializes in microelectronics and microfabrication technology. The company collaborates with government agencies, industrial entities, and academic institutions to develop advanced solutions. Its technology is designed for applications such as controlling toxic and explosive gas detectors, as well as for quality control in various sectors. Labsys provides non-destructive evaluation methods to assess the structural integrity of aircraft, integrates microfluidic systems for bio-analysis, and creates bio-mimetic self-adhesives. These innovations enable industries, particularly in aviation, to implement sensors, circuits, and algorithms that identify breaks and corrosion in airframes.

Wilder Systems

Grant in 2019
Wilder Systems is a robotics and automation company focused on the aerospace industry. Founded in 2015 and based in Austin, Texas, the company designs and manufactures automation machines that incorporate collaborative robots and mobile technology. Their platform aims to enhance productivity, quality, and ergonomics within existing production environments without requiring significant modifications. By leveraging innovative automation solutions, Wilder Systems seeks to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency in aerospace manufacturing.

Swift Solar

Grant in 2019
Swift Solar Inc. is a company that designs and manufactures lightweight solar panels and systems, focusing on advanced solar technology. Established in 2017 and headquartered in San Carlos, California, with an additional site in Golden, Colorado, Swift Solar specializes in perovskite solar cells, which are engineered to be more efficient and cost-effective than conventional solar panels. The company’s innovative approach involves creating ultra-thin perovskite films that absorb various parts of the solar spectrum, resulting in high-efficiency tandem solar cells. These cells not only enhance solar conversion efficiency but also provide significant weight advantages, making them suitable for applications in aerospace, automotive, and building sectors. Swift Solar emphasizes domestic manufacturing and utilizes abundant raw materials to ensure scalability in its operations.

Rotoye

Grant in 2019
Rotoye is a technology developer and researcher specializing in multirotor and avionics systems, established in 2017 and located in Marietta, Georgia. The company focuses on advancing aviation and aerospace component manufacturing by providing a range of electronics and battery accessories. These offerings enable clients to design and construct innovative mobile robotics and electronic drones, contributing to the evolution of the aerospace industry.

Vartega

Grant in 2019
Vartega Inc. specializes in recycling carbon fiber, a material known for its strength and lightweight properties, primarily serving the aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and sporting goods sectors. Founded in 2014 and based in Golden, Colorado, Vartega has developed a patented recycling process that produces low-cost carbon fiber suitable for various applications, including thermoplastic pellets, nonwoven fabrics, yarns, and three-dimensional printing filament. The company’s technology effectively diverts carbon fiber scrap and waste from landfills, contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing fuel economy in vehicles. Vartega's carbon fiber is available in multiple forms, including semi-continuous, chopped, and milled, making it adaptable for mass-market use.

Sensatek Propulsion Technology

Grant in 2019
Sensatek Propulsion Technology, Inc. specializes in the development of wireless ceramic sensors designed to monitor extreme temperature, pressure, and strain in challenging environments. Its flagship product, Smartjet, enables real-time wireless monitoring within applications such as fuel cells, gas turbine engines, and rocket propulsion systems. The company also offers Vision AI, which extracts vibration data from video pixels to provide a cost-effective and easily deployable solution for wireless vibration and condition monitoring. This technology aids in preventing downtime and optimizing the performance of energy assets like hydroelectric and wind turbines by identifying issues such as shaft misalignment and excessive vibrations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, Sensatek conducts extensive research in ceramic processing and analysis, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of advanced ceramic materials suitable for high-temperature and harsh environments.

Weiss Envirotronics

Grant in 2019
Weiss Envirotronics offers pre-engineered, custom environmental test chambers, and equipment for industries. Weiss Envirotronics offers testing solutions for all industries, whether they are testing extreme temperatures, humidity, altitude, vibration, or a combination of these. Weiss Envirotronics designs and manufactures temperature, humidity, vibration, altitude, thermal shock test chambers, portable shock chambers, burn-in chambers, custom equipment, fluid chillers, air burn-in systems, SAE dust chambers, combustion air units, automotive test systems, drive-in chambers, conditioned rooms, and forced air ovens.

Guardion

Grant in 2019
Guardion specializes in advanced sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and security through innovative detection systems. The company has developed the world's first radiation detector that leverages the unique quantum properties of nanomaterials, resulting in low-cost, sensitive, and energy-efficient devices suitable for widespread deployment. Guardion's products include analytical instruments and portable chemical and radiation detectors, designed for use in challenging environments across various sectors, including aerospace, medical, and national security. Recognized for its contributions to technology and innovation, Guardion received the MassChallenge 2017 Gold Prize and the Technology in Space Prize from the Center for Advancement in Science in Space and Boeing. In early 2018, the company was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Techstars Autonomous Tech Accelerator, sponsored by the Air Force.

Momentum Optics

Grant in 2019
Momentum Optics is focused on addressing the growing demand for high-quality glass optics through innovative, on-demand manufacturing solutions. Utilizing proprietary technology developed with support from NASA, the company employs a laser-based mechanism combined with machine learning to produce custom lenses with exceptional precision. This approach allows Momentum Optics to manufacture optics ten times faster and at a significantly lower cost than traditional methods, while also achieving superior performance metrics. By enabling researchers and product developers to create multiple lenses simultaneously, Momentum Optics facilitates accelerated discovery, reduces overall costs, and enhances the performance of optical devices, ultimately shortening the time to market for new products.

Manifold Robotics

Grant in 2019
Manifold Robotics specializes in developing advanced drone technology that enhances safety and simplifies operations in complex environments. The company focuses on creating technical payloads that utilize electromagnetic fields (EMF) from power lines as a navigational aid, allowing drones to navigate autonomously along electric utility rights-of-way. This innovative approach enables automated power line inspections, significantly improving efficiency and reducing costs by up to 50%. By facilitating beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight, Manifold Robotics provides practical solutions that enhance the operational capabilities of drones, making them safer and more effective for various industries.

Outward Technologies

Grant in 2019
Outward Technologies offers in-space manufacturing and space resource utilisation, which is a burgeoning industry seeing rapid growth. As they develop space infrastructure and human settlements on other planetary bodies,

PC Krause and Associates

Grant in 2018
PC Krause and Associates (PCKA) was incorporated in the state of Indiana in 1983. After the successful completion of several small task-ordered contracts with government agencies and Midwest utilities, PCKA was starting to become recognized as an up-and-coming consulting company with highly-talented engineers. It is a high-tech company with a concentration of high-level expertise in the dynamics of electromechanical systems with particular emphasis on power-electronic-based systems of the types to be found in advanced aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles. The company has a well-established reputation for solving engineering challenges through the use of advanced modeling, simulation, analysis, and control techniques.

South 8 Technologies

Grant in 2018
South 8 Technologies, Inc. is a manufacturer based in San Diego, California, specializing in advanced lithium batteries and electrochemical capacitors that utilize a unique liquefied gas electrolyte known as LiGas®. Founded in 2015, the company addresses key issues associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries, particularly their susceptibility to fire and performance limitations in extreme temperatures. LiGas technology enhances energy density and safety, allowing batteries to operate effectively within a temperature range of -60 to 60 °C. This innovation serves a diverse array of applications, including electric vehicles, energy storage, aerospace, and defense industries, by providing improved performance and reduced flammability compared to conventional materials. South 8 has developed its first battery cell, the Arctic™ LiGas 18650, and is actively working on additional battery chemistries. The company holds 23 patents across multiple jurisdictions, with a customer base that includes cell manufacturers and end-users, supported by various investors in the technology and automotive sectors.

Flora Coatings

Grant in 2018
A significantly high volume of non-recyclable waste is being generated every day, either during the cleaning process, or due to ever damaging infrastructure. For example, the amounts of chlorinated pesticides being used for cleaning surfaces is causing serious corrosion damages or the amount deicing fluid being used to keep the airplanes flying during freezing conditions. Now imagine having a bottle filled with transparent liquid that we can spray on surfaces and that transforms into a smart, solid, glass. This invisible coated surface won’t corrode, restores, can’t be scratched, won’t get dirty, remains germs free and can be seen with black light. Remember, 80% germs spreads through touching the infected surface and we can provide 99.9% protection. We are global experts in advanced coatings development and manufacturing. We offer a globally patented, non-toxic, ready to use coating that is registered as medical device with FDA. Coating is offered as easy to use product, tested and validated by independent agencies. Single application of this thin coating could protect surfaces for more than six months. We are targeting $25 billion protective coatings market. Products have been sold to more than 100 major companies operating in aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and public sectors.

Vianair

Grant in 2018
Vianair develops an airspace information model to aid in the design and planning of airspace. The company is found in The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in New York.

Micro-LAM

Grant in 2018
Micro-LAM Technologies, LLC, founded in 2012 and based in Battle Creek, Michigan, specializes in manufacturing precision laser-focused cutting tools. The company's flagship product is the Micro-LAM Optimus T+1, a hybrid laser-diamond cutting tool system designed for ultra-precision machining of advanced engineered ceramics, semiconductors, glass, metals, and other materials. In addition to its cutting tools, Micro-LAM offers feasibility analysis, process development, system customization, and installation and support services. These services include manufacturing setup evaluations, laser absorption tests, hardness reduction tests, sample machining, and value proposition analyses. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including optics, aerospace, defense and armor, semiconductor, and automotive.

Lux Semiconductors

Grant in 2018
Lux Semiconductors specializes in the development of crystalline thin-film semiconductors aimed at enhancing the integration of semiconductor chips. The company utilizes a proprietary system-on-foil platform that supports heterogeneous integration, allowing for the incorporation of silicon circuitry onto a patterned flexible silicon substrate. This innovative approach enables the production of densely integrated, durable, lightweight, and flexible devices. Lux Semiconductors' technology serves a variety of sectors, including aerospace, defense, clean energy, medical, and consumer internet-of-things electronics, facilitating the fabrication of advanced electronic components that address current industry challenges.

Hinetics

Grant in 2018
Hinetics provides electrification for commercial regional jets and narrow-body aircraft. They offer services that include superconducting machines, permanent magnet machines, and direct-drive electric machines.

Boston Materials

Grant in 2018
Boston Materials, Inc. is a manufacturer of advanced composite materials, specializing in 3D reinforced carbon fiber pre-pregs. Founded in 2016 and based in Bedford, Massachusetts, the company utilizes patented Z-axis Fiber technology, which incorporates vertically aligned carbon fibers to enhance energy transfer properties. Its product line includes Carbon Supercomposite, a magnetically assembled carbon fiber pre-preg, which finds applications across various sectors such as aerospace, automotive, marine, wind energy, and sports equipment. Boston Materials' advanced materials aim to improve thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties, offering a roll-to-roll manufacturing process with in-line quality control and an annual production capacity of one million square meters. These innovations enable industries like semiconductors and electrified vehicles to achieve greater efficiency, reliability, and weight reduction while addressing critical challenges in durability and performance.

SHINE Technologies

Series B in 2018
SHINE Technologies, LLC is a medical technology company that specializes in the production and supply of medical tracers and cancer treatment elements. It primarily manufactures and distributes molybdenum-99 (moly-99), a key isotope used in the diagnosis and staging of various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Additionally, SHINE offers iodine-131 and iodine-125 for treating thyroid cancer and other abnormal thyroid conditions, as well as for diagnosing liver function, kidney blood flow, and urinary tract obstruction. The company also provides xenon-133 for evaluating lung function and blood flow, particularly in the brain. SHINE's products are used extensively in the United States and internationally. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin, with an additional office in Alkmaar, the Netherlands.

Lunewave

Grant in 2018
Lunewave Inc. is a manufacturer based in Tucson, Arizona, specializing in Luneburg lens-based antennas and automotive radar sensor systems. Founded in 2017, the company serves various sectors, including telecommunications, aerospace and defense, automotive, and specialized research. Lunewave develops advanced, three-dimensional printed Luneburg lens antennas and radar systems tailored for applications in autonomous driving, wireless communications, and drone technology. Its products feature custom-made antennas available in various sizes and operating frequencies, designed to meet specific customer needs. The sensors are characterized by their compact, robust design, offering high resolution, all-directional fields of view, and long detection ranges.

Planck Aerosystems

Grant in 2018
Planck Aerosystems Inc. is an autonomous drone company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing innovative drone-based surveillance software named Shearwater, which is designed for various applications including survey and mapping, emergency response, safety and surveillance, and scientific research. The company integrates artificial intelligence into its drone technology, enabling advanced capabilities such as vision-based navigation and control. This technology allows drones to autonomously launch and land on moving vehicles and vessels, significantly enhancing operational applications in sectors such as security, defense, maritime, and logistics. Planck Aerosystems primarily serves government agencies and industrial maritime operators, providing them with cutting-edge solutions for drone autonomy and mobility.

Fluency Lighting Technologies

Grant in 2018
Fluency Lighting Technologies, Inc. is based in Santa Barbara, California, and focuses on developing next-generation, energy-efficient lighting solutions utilizing advanced laser technology and materials design. The company aims to overcome the limitations of traditional lighting by creating low-étendue light sources that offer high control over light output while maintaining a compact size. Their products are designed for a variety of applications, including tactical flashlights, automotive and aircraft lighting, projectors and displays, medical device illumination, architectural spotlighting, and downlighting for museums and retail environments. By enabling clients to incorporate these innovative technologies, Fluency Lighting Technologies enhances energy efficiency and supports the development of cutting-edge products in various markets.

AirSpeQ

Grant in 2018
Improving the world for plants, animals and people by commercializing sensors for fine and ultrafine particulate matter detection. Based on MEMS and Thin FBAR technology. Funded by National Science Foundation (NSF) Seed Fund for America, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and others. Finalist NASA Earth Space Air Prize. Winner Cutting Edge Award Shanghai/Yangpu Global Startup Competition. Winner 2019 Red Herring Top 100 North American Companies award.

Squishy Robotics

Grant in 2017
Squishy Robotics Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Berkeley, California, specializes in developing mobile sensing robots designed for disaster rescue, remote monitoring, and space exploration. These robots, characterized by their shape-shifting, tensegrity structures, are lightweight, cost-effective, and capable of traversing challenging terrains. They are equipped with a range of sensors, including visual, audio, chemical, biological, radiological, and GPS, enabling them to provide crucial situational awareness and sensor data to first responders in hazardous environments. The company's primary focus is on the HazMat and CBRNE response market, where their technology enhances safety and efficiency in emergency situations. Squishy Robotics envisions future applications for its customizable platform, which may extend to scientific monitoring, delivery services, smart home appliances, and educational tools for various audiences including students and hobbyists.

Sensatek Propulsion Technology

Grant in 2017
Sensatek Propulsion Technology, Inc. specializes in the development of wireless ceramic sensors designed to monitor extreme temperature, pressure, and strain in challenging environments. Its flagship product, Smartjet, enables real-time wireless monitoring within applications such as fuel cells, gas turbine engines, and rocket propulsion systems. The company also offers Vision AI, which extracts vibration data from video pixels to provide a cost-effective and easily deployable solution for wireless vibration and condition monitoring. This technology aids in preventing downtime and optimizing the performance of energy assets like hydroelectric and wind turbines by identifying issues such as shaft misalignment and excessive vibrations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, Sensatek conducts extensive research in ceramic processing and analysis, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of advanced ceramic materials suitable for high-temperature and harsh environments.

Quest Thermal Group

Grant in 2017
Quest Thermal Group is a technology and product development engineering firm, specializing in the design and development of advanced thermal insulation systems. Quest Thermal focuses on developing and bringing to market advanced, next generation, structural thermal insulation solutions for aerospace and commercial applications. Their solutions achieve lower mass and enhanced thermal performance with discrete patented spacer technology. They are creative, inventive, capable engineers and scientists, with extensive thermal insulation expertise, R&D experience, and a product-centric vision. Quest Thermal has developed multiple advanced insulation systems, for aerospace and commercial applications. These customizable engineering solutions can be used for insulating spacecraft, launch vehicles, high turndown variable radiators, vapor cooling, ISRU liquefaction storage tanks, dewars, LNG carriers and tanks, and appliances such as refrigerators.Quest's high performance Integrated Multi-Layer Insulation (IMLI) is in space insulating the flight dewar for NASA's Robotic Refueling Mission 3 on the ISS, and is at TRL9. IMLI will fly on the NASA/Ball Aerospace Green Propellant Infusion Mission on the June 2019 Flacon 9 Heavy flight, and IMLI is in early design for the NASA Lucy spacecraft to Jupiter's Trojan asteroids. Quest Load Bearing MLI supported a Broad Area Cooled shield in the NASA Reduced Boiloff 2 experiment, and led to a successful test program aimed at achieving Zero Boil Off of cryogenic propellants.

MITO

Grant in 2017
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.

4D Technology

Grant in 2017
4D Technology Corporation specializes in designing and manufacturing optical metrology products, including laser interferometers, surface roughness profilers, and interferometry accessories. The company offers a range of products such as the AccuFiz, a compact laser interferometer for quality control and verification of optical components, and the PhaseCam interferometers, which are used for measuring large diameter mirrors and optical systems in various challenging environments. Additionally, 4D Technology provides the NanoCam Sq, a portable optical profilometer for assessing surface roughness and nano-topology of precision components. The company's solutions are utilized across multiple sectors, including astronomy, aerospace, and medical imaging, facilitating critical measurements in optical testing and industrial monitoring. 4D Technology distributes its products through partnerships in several countries, including China, Korea, and France, and is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona.

GelSight

Grant in 2017
GelSight, Inc. specializes in advanced sensor technology solutions for precise surface measurements. The company has developed the GelSight benchtop scanner, which captures the surface geometry of various materials and accurately measures rigid objects across a wide range of scales. Their innovative technology allows for detailed three-dimensional visualization and measurement, revealing features that are not discernible to the naked eye, and providing dimensional accuracy to single-digit microns. GelSight's products are utilized in diverse sectors, including aerospace, electronics, and forensics, as well as in academic and research environments. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, GelSight continues to enhance its offerings while addressing the evolving surface measurement needs of its clients.

Orange Maker

Grant in 2017
Orange Maker, LLC is a technology company that specializes in advanced 3D printing solutions and user-friendly software development. Founded in 2013 and based in Thousand Oaks, California, the company has developed the Helios One, a high-resolution 3D printing system utilizing heliolithography technology. This innovative system caters to a diverse range of applications, including aerospace, architecture, automotive, biotech, defense, dental, education, entertainment, fashion, medical, and manufacturing. Orange Maker aims to empower designers and engineers by providing state-of-the-art tools that facilitate the seamless creation of 3D objects while maintaining design integrity. The company fosters a collaborative culture within the 3D printing community, promoting the sharing of ideas and advancements in technology.

Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing

Grant in 2017
Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc., a Tucson, Arizona-based producer of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and advanced ceramic materials.

Cuberg

Grant in 2017
Cuberg, Inc. is a U.S.-based company specializing in the development of advanced battery technology for aerospace and industrial applications. Founded in 2015 and located in Berkeley, California, Cuberg focuses on producing high-performance lithium metal cells that can be manufactured using existing lithium-ion production lines. The company’s innovative electrolyte technology allows for the use of high-voltage cathodes and lithium metal anodes, resulting in rechargeable batteries that offer increased energy density, improved safety, and enhanced thermal stability. With a commitment to sustainability, Cuberg aims to provide battery solutions that deliver superior energy performance, extended shelf life, and stability at elevated temperatures, catering to the growing demands of electromobility and other sectors.

URTPC

Grant in 2017
URTPC specializes in the development of power conversion technology applicable across various sectors, including aerospace, micro-grids, and renewable energy. The company focuses on creating efficient and reliable solutions that enhance product safety and performance while accelerating time-to-market for businesses. By providing a comprehensive analysis of electrical, power electronics, and electromagnetic components, URTPC serves as a one-stop solution for companies looking to optimize their control systems and assess thermal, structural, and electromagnetic parameters. This approach enables clients to reduce costs through efficient mass production and improve the overall effectiveness of their power conversion applications.

Z-senz

Grant in 2017
Z-senz develops the next leap in LIDAR to enable safety and reliability in autonomous vehicles. The company's headquarters are in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2015 by a group of scientists with expertise in optics, lasers, material science, physics, and manufacturing,

Guardion

Grant in 2017
Guardion specializes in advanced sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and security through innovative detection systems. The company has developed the world's first radiation detector that leverages the unique quantum properties of nanomaterials, resulting in low-cost, sensitive, and energy-efficient devices suitable for widespread deployment. Guardion's products include analytical instruments and portable chemical and radiation detectors, designed for use in challenging environments across various sectors, including aerospace, medical, and national security. Recognized for its contributions to technology and innovation, Guardion received the MassChallenge 2017 Gold Prize and the Technology in Space Prize from the Center for Advancement in Science in Space and Boeing. In early 2018, the company was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Techstars Autonomous Tech Accelerator, sponsored by the Air Force.
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