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 Augmented Reality

BlinxeL

Grant in 2022
Blinxel is developing an innovative augmented reality content creation platform aimed at democratizing access to AR technology. The company is focused on its flagship product, the Blink platform, which allows users to create realistic 3D content using a low-cost depth camera and a PC or laptop. This user-friendly system enables individuals to easily upload their creations to the cloud, making them accessible on both Android and iOS devices worldwide. By utilizing a volumetric video system, Blinxel integrates photo-realistic representations of people into mobile AR experiences, allowing organizations to harness this technology to engage a global audience and enhance their profitability.

Augray

Grant in 2022
Augray is an extended reality company focused on enhancing the interaction between the real and virtual worlds through augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technologies. It provides businesses with innovative tools to improve sales, marketing, and operational performance across various stages of the consumer sales cycle, from awareness to customer re-engagement. Augray's platform allows brands to create engaging advertising campaigns that leverage high levels of user interaction, enabling customers to connect with products and services in a dynamic way. By utilizing Augray's technology, users can scan Augray-enabled images and advertisements, leading to an enriched augmented reality experience that fosters deeper engagement and insight.

Explore Interactive

Grant in 2021
At Explore Interactive we democratize access to and improve educational outcomes in STEM, through immersive, educational games anywhere, anytime and at a great price. Their first product, coming soon, will bring together the delight of tabletop card games and the immersion of our augmented reality technology to build excitement for and expertise in the world of STEM. Explore! brings inquiry-based learning to the world of augmented reality through educational games. Their experiences engage Explorers through a visual, auditory and tactile learning environment to progress through standards-based curricula. Whether a tinkerer, competitor, or social player, Explore! has something for everyone!

VIATechnik

Grant in 2021
VIATechnik is a prominent player in the digital transformation sector, specializing in services that bridge the gap between traditional design and construction methods and modern digital solutions. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including virtual design and construction, computational building information modeling, virtual reality, and augmented reality. Additionally, VIATechnik provides expertise in scheduling, 4D modeling, software development, and digital fabrication. By leveraging these advanced technologies, the firm aims to enhance efficiency in design and promote industrialized construction practices, ultimately facilitating a more effective digital real estate service model for its clients in the built environment.

Immergo

Grant in 2021
Immergo Labs is a pioneering company specializing in the development of extended reality (XR) platforms that aim to revolutionize physical rehabilitation. By integrating advanced biomechanics algorithms, artificial intelligence-driven biomarkers, and gamification, Immergo Labs creates personalized and adaptive rehabilitation experiences that enhance recovery outcomes and improve patients' quality of life. The company's telehealth platform offers therapists an efficient and cost-effective solution for remote physical rehabilitation, delivering an all-in-one therapy clinic and exercise resources through a headset. This innovative approach allows physical therapists to overcome traditional telehealth limitations, effectively doubling patient throughput by utilizing biomechanical analysis and automating patient success metrics. Recently, Immergo Labs has secured significant funding, including a substantial grant from the National Science Foundation, to further its mission of making effective and engaging physical rehabilitation accessible to a wider audience.

NanoPattern Technologies

Grant in 2021
NanoPattern Technologies, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in the development of photopatternable quantum dot formulations aimed at advancing display technology. The company focuses on creating nanoparticle inks for use in Quantum dot-MicroLED and quantum dots-organic light-emitting diode display systems. Its patented resin-free nanoparticle lithography enables the precise patterning of high-resolution quantum dot downconverter layers, facilitating the production of advanced display systems for various applications, including televisions, smartphones, wearables, augmented reality, and virtual reality.

EcoSystemOne

Grant in 2021
EcoSystemOne is an eLearning platform that focuses on co-creating immersive stories, games, and quests to enhance educational experiences. The company enables users to publish their creations across various formats, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mobile devices. By harnessing the power of storytelling and game-based learning, EcoSystemOne aims to boost engagement and creativity while improving knowledge retention. Its platform provides tools and templates that assist corporations and educational institutions in designing and implementing immersive classes and training programs, allowing them to tailor lessons according to their specific needs.

CONSTRUKTS

Grant in 2021
CONSTRUKTS is a mixed-reality platform designed to enhance hands-on learning through the integration of physical smart block constructions with virtual 3D models. The platform focuses on fostering spatial thinking, STEM education, and creativity by providing learner-centric challenges and real-time model analysis. By combining Internet of Things (IoT) smart blocks with an artificial intelligence knowledge engine, CONSTRUKTS offers a comprehensive learning experience that encourages users to explore structural and mathematical concepts in an engaging manner. The company aims to empower learners to unlock their potential as innovators by integrating advanced technologies into educational practices, promoting a deeper understanding of the systems that shape their imaginative worlds.

Neurowired

Grant in 2020
Neurowired is a technology company founded in 2013 and based in Morgantown, West Virginia. It specializes in the development of biomimetic algorithms that enable the real-time extraction of limb movement intent from biological signals. By utilizing sensors to capture activity from muscles, nerves, or the central nervous system, Neurowired's technology predicts accurate limb movements. This innovation facilitates intuitive control in various applications, including augmented and virtual reality, prosthetic limbs, and natural muscle movements, allowing users to interact with digital environments as they do in the physical world.

NanoPattern Technologies

Grant in 2019
NanoPattern Technologies, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in the development of photopatternable quantum dot formulations aimed at advancing display technology. The company focuses on creating nanoparticle inks for use in Quantum dot-MicroLED and quantum dots-organic light-emitting diode display systems. Its patented resin-free nanoparticle lithography enables the precise patterning of high-resolution quantum dot downconverter layers, facilitating the production of advanced display systems for various applications, including televisions, smartphones, wearables, augmented reality, and virtual reality.

eBibelot

Grant in 2019
eBibelot specializes in digital media where education meets entertainment, empowered by AR and AI technologies.

SimInsights

Grant in 2019
SimInsights offers cloud-based SaaS software and services powered by AR/VR/AI to help enterprise customers transform their training and business processes. Adopting VR, AR, and AI as a part of digital transformation increases human engagement, reskilling, and upskilling while delivering ROI. The goal of SimInsights is to make it easier for anyone to create 3D, interactive, realistic, and intelligent simulations.

Explore Interactive

Grant in 2019
At Explore Interactive we democratize access to and improve educational outcomes in STEM, through immersive, educational games anywhere, anytime and at a great price. Their first product, coming soon, will bring together the delight of tabletop card games and the immersion of our augmented reality technology to build excitement for and expertise in the world of STEM. Explore! brings inquiry-based learning to the world of augmented reality through educational games. Their experiences engage Explorers through a visual, auditory and tactile learning environment to progress through standards-based curricula. Whether a tinkerer, competitor, or social player, Explore! has something for everyone!

eBibelot

Grant in 2018
eBibelot specializes in digital media where education meets entertainment, empowered by AR and AI technologies.

Grokstyle

Grant in 2018
Grokstyle develops an app that automatically identifies furniture and home decor from just about any picture or angle. Partner with us to reimagine the consumer experience — visual search, inspiration, and on-point recommendations.

JoyLabz

Grant in 2018
JoyLabz is a project and development company founded in 2012 and based in Santa Cruz, California. The company specializes in designing augmented reality devices, offering a range of products that include do-it-yourself devices, hardware integration tools, and digital learning boxes. These offerings are designed to help users explore and experiment with new system integrations, facilitating an engaging augmented reality experience while fostering creativity and innovation. Through its focus on user-driven design, JoyLabz aims to empower individuals to invent and create within the realm of augmented reality.

NGCodec

Convertible Note in 2018
NGCodec Inc. is a technology company that specializes in video encoding solutions, focusing on high efficiency video coding (HEVC) standards, also known as H.265. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company develops advanced video encoders and decoders designed for cloud video processing, transcoding, and applications in virtual and augmented reality. NGCodec's flagship product, Reality Codec, optimizes video compression for ultra-low latency and high-quality performance, making it suitable for real-time media experiences. The company's offerings include silicon-based HEVC video decoders and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementations, catering to various markets such as decoder system-on-chip and encoder markets globally. NGCodec operates as a subsidiary of Xilinx, Inc., leveraging its resources to enhance its innovative solutions in the video technology space.

Neurable

Grant in 2017
Neurable Inc. is a neurotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2016. The company specializes in developing artificial intelligence software that allows users to control software and devices using their brain activity. By leveraging patented signal processing techniques and a multidisciplinary approach that combines neuroscience, biology, statistics, and machine learning, Neurable creates high-performance brain-computer interfaces. These interfaces enable users to interact with various applications, such as playing games, operating toys, and even driving vehicles, through their brain signals. Neurable's technology is also applicable in virtual and augmented reality environments, offering innovative solutions for enhancing user experience and interaction.

ZeroUI

Grant in 2017
ZeroUI Inc. is an information technology company based in West Lafayette, Indiana, that specializes in hands-free and gesture-based 3D modeling technology. Founded in 2012, the company develops innovative solutions for various applications, including virtual reality, augmented reality, robotics, and wearables. One of its notable products is HandiMate, a gesture-controlled robotic toy construction kit designed for children, promoting STEM learning and creative storytelling. Additionally, ZeroUI offers an immersive e-learning platform that leverages its IoT robotics system to provide experiential learning opportunities, allowing users to engage with community projects and access a collective knowledge base to realize their ideas.

Aira

Grant in 2017
Aira is a company dedicated to enhancing accessibility for individuals who are blind or have low vision. It offers remote visual interpretation services through a user-friendly app that connects users with highly trained Visual Interpreters. By utilizing a smartphone's camera, users can stream live video to these interpreters, who assist them in navigating various daily activities safely and efficiently. Additionally, Aira has developed wearable smart glasses that link users to a network of certified agents, providing real-time visual assistance via an augmented reality dashboard. This innovative approach empowers visually impaired individuals to perform tasks such as navigating busy streets and recognizing faces, ultimately promoting greater mobility and independence in their everyday lives.

SimInsights

Grant in 2017
SimInsights offers cloud-based SaaS software and services powered by AR/VR/AI to help enterprise customers transform their training and business processes. Adopting VR, AR, and AI as a part of digital transformation increases human engagement, reskilling, and upskilling while delivering ROI. The goal of SimInsights is to make it easier for anyone to create 3D, interactive, realistic, and intelligent simulations.

Misapplied Sciences

Grant in 2017
Misapplied Sciences is a technology company that specializes in parallel reality displays, enabling multiple viewers to experience unique digital content from the same display. Its innovative pixel technology can project up to a million light rays of varying colors and brightness simultaneously, allowing public venues such as airports, stadiums, shopping malls, and resorts to provide personalized visual experiences for each individual. By utilizing this technology, Misapplied Sciences transforms how visual media is directed and consumed in shared environments, enhancing engagement and communication without the need for separate screens or devices.

Tactai

Grant in 2017
Tactai is a pioneering company focused on developing the first wearable device that allows users to touch and feel virtual objects with life-like realism. Utilizing its patent-pending Dynamic Tactile Wave™ technology, Tactai creates multi-modal experiences that engage the user's senses by integrating touch, sound, and light. The company's high-fidelity haptic device is engineered to provide precise touch sensations and features advanced hand-and-finger tracking, enhancing user interaction in various applications. Tactai's products aim to transform immersive experiences in fields such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, benefiting sectors including gaming, e-commerce, training, film, architecture, and education.

Lightform

Seed Round in 2017
Lightform, Inc. is a computer vision and hardware company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing technology for projected augmented reality, offering sound-reactive projectors, projector kits, and creator products that transform spaces through projection mapping. Lightform's innovative hardware tools and desktop application enable users to create animated content for various scenes, control projectors wirelessly from laptops or phones, and seamlessly integrate real objects with projected light. The company also provides 3D scanning options that allow for the scanning of complex scenes, automatically fine-tuning alignment and enhancing the projection mapping workflow with AI-generated effects and filters.

Summit Technology Laboratory

Grant in 2016
Summit Technology Laboratory specializes in advanced Spatially Augmented Reality solutions aimed at enhancing immersive data analytics and situational awareness across various sectors, including commercial, industrial, defense, and emergency management. The company has developed a next-generation platform that enables fully automated projection mapping, capable of capturing complex surface shapes in mere minutes. This technology supports diverse applications, from command and control to training and simulation, while minimizing maintenance efforts and lifecycle costs. Additionally, Summit Technology Laboratory is innovating in Projected Augmented Reality for AI-enabled remote surgical guidance, particularly in craniofacial surgery, striving to improve healthcare outcomes and expand global surgical capacity. Their platform allows for seamless integration with existing systems and offers a unified code for multiple applications, facilitating easy installation and user interaction in real-time.

JoyLabz

Grant in 2016
JoyLabz is a project and development company founded in 2012 and based in Santa Cruz, California. The company specializes in designing augmented reality devices, offering a range of products that include do-it-yourself devices, hardware integration tools, and digital learning boxes. These offerings are designed to help users explore and experiment with new system integrations, facilitating an engaging augmented reality experience while fostering creativity and innovation. Through its focus on user-driven design, JoyLabz aims to empower individuals to invent and create within the realm of augmented reality.

Lightform

Grant in 2016
Lightform, Inc. is a computer vision and hardware company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing technology for projected augmented reality, offering sound-reactive projectors, projector kits, and creator products that transform spaces through projection mapping. Lightform's innovative hardware tools and desktop application enable users to create animated content for various scenes, control projectors wirelessly from laptops or phones, and seamlessly integrate real objects with projected light. The company also provides 3D scanning options that allow for the scanning of complex scenes, automatically fine-tuning alignment and enhancing the projection mapping workflow with AI-generated effects and filters.

NGCodec

Grant in 2016
NGCodec Inc. is a technology company that specializes in video encoding solutions, focusing on high efficiency video coding (HEVC) standards, also known as H.265. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company develops advanced video encoders and decoders designed for cloud video processing, transcoding, and applications in virtual and augmented reality. NGCodec's flagship product, Reality Codec, optimizes video compression for ultra-low latency and high-quality performance, making it suitable for real-time media experiences. The company's offerings include silicon-based HEVC video decoders and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementations, catering to various markets such as decoder system-on-chip and encoder markets globally. NGCodec operates as a subsidiary of Xilinx, Inc., leveraging its resources to enhance its innovative solutions in the video technology space.

LightUp

Grant in 2016
LightUp, Inc. is a United States-based company that specializes in developing educational electronics construction kits and a digital tutoring application aimed at children. These kits incorporate electronic building blocks equipped with optically recognizable codes, allowing young users to construct electronic circuits while engaging with augmented reality. The accompanying mobile application enhances the learning experience by providing interactive labs that introduce fundamental concepts of technology and coding in an engaging manner. By blending elements of mobile gaming with hands-on educational tools, LightUp fosters a fun and interactive approach to learning that captures children's interest in science and technology.

Grokstyle

Grant in 2016
Grokstyle develops an app that automatically identifies furniture and home decor from just about any picture or angle. Partner with us to reimagine the consumer experience — visual search, inspiration, and on-point recommendations.

ZeroUI

Grant in 2015
ZeroUI Inc. is an information technology company based in West Lafayette, Indiana, that specializes in hands-free and gesture-based 3D modeling technology. Founded in 2012, the company develops innovative solutions for various applications, including virtual reality, augmented reality, robotics, and wearables. One of its notable products is HandiMate, a gesture-controlled robotic toy construction kit designed for children, promoting STEM learning and creative storytelling. Additionally, ZeroUI offers an immersive e-learning platform that leverages its IoT robotics system to provide experiential learning opportunities, allowing users to engage with community projects and access a collective knowledge base to realize their ideas.

Misapplied Sciences

Grant in 2015
Misapplied Sciences is a technology company that specializes in parallel reality displays, enabling multiple viewers to experience unique digital content from the same display. Its innovative pixel technology can project up to a million light rays of varying colors and brightness simultaneously, allowing public venues such as airports, stadiums, shopping malls, and resorts to provide personalized visual experiences for each individual. By utilizing this technology, Misapplied Sciences transforms how visual media is directed and consumed in shared environments, enhancing engagement and communication without the need for separate screens or devices.

CONSTRUKTS

Seed Round in 2015
CONSTRUKTS is a mixed-reality platform designed to enhance hands-on learning through the integration of physical smart block constructions with virtual 3D models. The platform focuses on fostering spatial thinking, STEM education, and creativity by providing learner-centric challenges and real-time model analysis. By combining Internet of Things (IoT) smart blocks with an artificial intelligence knowledge engine, CONSTRUKTS offers a comprehensive learning experience that encourages users to explore structural and mathematical concepts in an engaging manner. The company aims to empower learners to unlock their potential as innovators by integrating advanced technologies into educational practices, promoting a deeper understanding of the systems that shape their imaginative worlds.

Caugnate

Grant in 2015
Caugnate is a developer of augmented reality technology focused on enhancing remote collaboration for physical tasks, such as equipment maintenance and repair. By leveraging computer vision and augmented reality, the company creates innovative tools that allow collaborators to experience each other's spatial environments more directly. This capability is particularly beneficial in tasks that require a shared understanding of physical contexts, thereby improving efficiency and effectiveness in remote teamwork.

ZeroUI

Grant in 2015
ZeroUI Inc. is an information technology company based in West Lafayette, Indiana, that specializes in hands-free and gesture-based 3D modeling technology. Founded in 2012, the company develops innovative solutions for various applications, including virtual reality, augmented reality, robotics, and wearables. One of its notable products is HandiMate, a gesture-controlled robotic toy construction kit designed for children, promoting STEM learning and creative storytelling. Additionally, ZeroUI offers an immersive e-learning platform that leverages its IoT robotics system to provide experiential learning opportunities, allowing users to engage with community projects and access a collective knowledge base to realize their ideas.

LightUp

Grant in 2015
LightUp, Inc. is a United States-based company that specializes in developing educational electronics construction kits and a digital tutoring application aimed at children. These kits incorporate electronic building blocks equipped with optically recognizable codes, allowing young users to construct electronic circuits while engaging with augmented reality. The accompanying mobile application enhances the learning experience by providing interactive labs that introduce fundamental concepts of technology and coding in an engaging manner. By blending elements of mobile gaming with hands-on educational tools, LightUp fosters a fun and interactive approach to learning that captures children's interest in science and technology.

Lightform

Grant in 2015
Lightform, Inc. is a computer vision and hardware company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing technology for projected augmented reality, offering sound-reactive projectors, projector kits, and creator products that transform spaces through projection mapping. Lightform's innovative hardware tools and desktop application enable users to create animated content for various scenes, control projectors wirelessly from laptops or phones, and seamlessly integrate real objects with projected light. The company also provides 3D scanning options that allow for the scanning of complex scenes, automatically fine-tuning alignment and enhancing the projection mapping workflow with AI-generated effects and filters.

AccuPS

Grant in 2014
AccuPS LLC, established in 2014 and based in West Lafayette, Indiana, specializes in high-definition 3D motion tracking technology. The company offers innovative products such as AeroWand, which transforms smartphones and TVs into virtual reality entertainment systems, and AeroDynaPen, a versatile 3D stylus pen that functions on various surfaces including screens, desks, palms, and air. AccuPS' core technology comprises a head-tracking device, hand controller, and transmitting antenna connected to users' smartphones, enabling mobile virtual reality experiences.

NGCodec

Grant in 2014
NGCodec Inc. is a technology company that specializes in video encoding solutions, focusing on high efficiency video coding (HEVC) standards, also known as H.265. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company develops advanced video encoders and decoders designed for cloud video processing, transcoding, and applications in virtual and augmented reality. NGCodec's flagship product, Reality Codec, optimizes video compression for ultra-low latency and high-quality performance, making it suitable for real-time media experiences. The company's offerings include silicon-based HEVC video decoders and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementations, catering to various markets such as decoder system-on-chip and encoder markets globally. NGCodec operates as a subsidiary of Xilinx, Inc., leveraging its resources to enhance its innovative solutions in the video technology space.

WisdomTools

Grant in 2014
WisdomTools LLC is a company that specializes in developing immersive and context-aware eLearning technologies tailored for various industries, including professional services, education, finance, and government. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, the company creates customized training solutions incorporating virtual world simulations, serious games, and augmented reality. These offerings are designed to enhance learning experiences and performance across diverse settings, such as individual learning and hybrid eLearning environments. WisdomTools also provides a range of services, from game concept development and instructional design to usability testing and cognitive task analysis. By focusing on story-based and problem-based training approaches, WisdomTools aims to foster effective learning and retention, catering to the needs of both learners and organizations. The company operates as a subsidiary of Information in Place, Inc.

Lumiode

Grant in 2014
Lumiode, Inc. is a semiconductor company founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York City. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of high-brightness microdisplays designed for head-worn devices and augmented reality systems. Lumiode's technology aims to enhance display applications, making it a key player in the growing augmented reality market. The company is supported by venture capital from firms such as IP Group and Applied Ventures.

CONSTRUKTS

Seed Round in 2014
CONSTRUKTS is a mixed-reality platform designed to enhance hands-on learning through the integration of physical smart block constructions with virtual 3D models. The platform focuses on fostering spatial thinking, STEM education, and creativity by providing learner-centric challenges and real-time model analysis. By combining Internet of Things (IoT) smart blocks with an artificial intelligence knowledge engine, CONSTRUKTS offers a comprehensive learning experience that encourages users to explore structural and mathematical concepts in an engaging manner. The company aims to empower learners to unlock their potential as innovators by integrating advanced technologies into educational practices, promoting a deeper understanding of the systems that shape their imaginative worlds.

Cepand

Grant in 2013
Cepand provides assistance for designers and creators towards innovative technologies. The company provides various services mostly leading to autonomous vehicles. Cepand provides AI/ML, autonomous vehicles, wireless technologies and wearable (VR/AR) blueprints for innovative strategies and roadmaps as their products. Cepand was founded in 2012 by Babak S. in San Francisco, California.

Lumiode

Grant in 2012
Lumiode, Inc. is a semiconductor company founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York City. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of high-brightness microdisplays designed for head-worn devices and augmented reality systems. Lumiode's technology aims to enhance display applications, making it a key player in the growing augmented reality market. The company is supported by venture capital from firms such as IP Group and Applied Ventures.

CONSTRUKTS

Grant in 2008
CONSTRUKTS is a mixed-reality platform designed to enhance hands-on learning through the integration of physical smart block constructions with virtual 3D models. The platform focuses on fostering spatial thinking, STEM education, and creativity by providing learner-centric challenges and real-time model analysis. By combining Internet of Things (IoT) smart blocks with an artificial intelligence knowledge engine, CONSTRUKTS offers a comprehensive learning experience that encourages users to explore structural and mathematical concepts in an engaging manner. The company aims to empower learners to unlock their potential as innovators by integrating advanced technologies into educational practices, promoting a deeper understanding of the systems that shape their imaginative worlds.
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