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 building the world’s first completely democratic augmented reality content creation platform. Blinxel's dream is to bring augmented reality content creation to the world. We believe that AR will only reach its full potential when the whole world can make content. Right now, Blinxel is building the Blink platform. Anyone can use the Blink system to make fully realistic 3D content using nothing but a low-cost depth camera and a PC or laptop. Once made, the content can be easily uploaded to the cloud and is available to Android and iOS devices around the globe.

Augray

Grant in 2022
Augray is an extended reality company that enhances both the real and virtual worlds through augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technologies. It focuses on providing businesses with innovative solutions to improve sales, marketing, and operational efficiency. By enabling brands to create engaging advertising campaigns, Augray allows companies to effectively target customers throughout the consumer sales cycle, from initial awareness to post-purchase re-engagement. Users can experience Augray's offerings by interacting with augmented images, advertisements, and catalogs through its dedicated app, which scans target objects to deliver enriched content and insights. This approach not only fosters high-level user interaction but also helps businesses maximize their marketing investments across various channels.

VIATechnik

Grant in 2021
VIATechnik is a prominent provider of digital transformation services for the built environment, focusing on virtual design and construction. The company specializes in engineering design services that transition traditional design and construction processes into a digital platform. Its offerings include computational building information modeling, virtual reality, augmented reality, scheduling, and digital fabrication. By leveraging these advanced technologies, VIATechnik aims to enhance efficiency in design and promote industrialized construction methods, thereby providing clients with innovative solutions in the real estate sector.

NanoPattern Technologies

Grant in 2021
NanoPattern Technologies, established in 2019 and based in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in the development of photopatternable quantum dot formulations aimed at advancing display technologies. The company focuses on creating nanoparticle inks specifically designed for Quantum Dot-MicroLED and quantum dot-organic light-emitting diode display systems. Their patented resin-free nanoparticle lithography technology facilitates the high-resolution patterning of quantum dot downconverter layers. This innovation is intended to enhance the performance of display systems used in a variety of applications, including televisions, smartphones, wearables, and augmented and virtual reality devices.

EcoSystemOne

Grant in 2021
EcoSystemOne operates an eLearning platform that allows users to collaboratively create stories, games, and quests to explore various subjects. This platform facilitates the sharing of content across virtual reality, augmented reality, and mobile devices. By harnessing storytelling and game-based learning, EcoSystemOne enhances user engagement and fosters creativity, ultimately improving knowledge retention. The platform serves both corporate and educational institutions, providing them with tools to design immersive classes and training programs using customizable lesson scenarios and training templates.

CONSTRUKTS

Grant in 2021
CONSTRUKTS is a mixed-reality platform combining physical block constructions with the power of learner-focused challenges and real-time model analysis. CONSTRUKTS is a hands-on learning platform that merges smart blocks constructions with a virtual 3D model of the construction to strengthen spatial thinking, STEM learning, and creativity.CONSTRUKTS is hardware to software solution for connecting IoT smart blocks to an artificial intelligence knowledge engine to augment hands-on learning with real-time generated STEM learning challenges. We believe that creativity is a way to empower learners to realize their potential as future innovators. We believe it is the responsibility of technology innovators to challenge how advanced technologies are integrated into our everyday lives.

Neurowired

Grant in 2020
Neurowired, founded in 2013 and located in Morgantown, West Virginia, specializes in developing biomimetic algorithms aimed at real-time processing of biological signals. The company focuses on extracting limb movement intent from signals generated by muscles, nerves, or the central nervous system. By leveraging advanced sensors, Neurowired enables accurate predictions of limb movements, facilitating intuitive control over augmented reality, virtual reality applications, prosthetic limbs, and natural muscle movements. This innovative approach allows users to interact with digital environments in a manner that closely resembles their physical interactions in reality.

NanoPattern Technologies

Grant in 2019
NanoPattern Technologies, established in 2019 and based in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in the development of photopatternable quantum dot formulations aimed at advancing display technologies. The company focuses on creating nanoparticle inks specifically designed for Quantum Dot-MicroLED and quantum dot-organic light-emitting diode display systems. Their patented resin-free nanoparticle lithography technology facilitates the high-resolution patterning of quantum dot downconverter layers. This innovation is intended to enhance the performance of display systems used in a variety of applications, including televisions, smartphones, wearables, and augmented and virtual reality devices.

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.

JoyLabz

Grant in 2018
JoyLabz is a project and development company founded in 2012 and based in Santa Cruz, California, specializing in the design of augmented reality devices. The company focuses on creating innovative products such as do-it-yourself devices, hardware integration tools, and digital learning boxes. These offerings aim to provide users with opportunities to explore and experiment with new system integrations, enhancing their augmented reality experiences while fostering creativity and invention.

NGCodec

Convertible Note in 2018
NGCodec Inc. specializes in video encoding technology that adheres to the HEVC standard, also known as H.265, and supports AVC/H.264. Founded in 2012 and based in Sunnyvale, California, the company develops innovative solutions for cloud video processing, transcoding, and interactive applications in virtual and augmented reality. NGCodec's flagship product, Reality Codec, is designed for ultra-low latency and high-quality video compression, utilizing advanced algorithms and silicon logic. The company primarily targets markets such as decoder system-on-chip, encoder field-programmable gate array, and encoder system-on-chip, and serves clients globally. As of July 2019, NGCodec operates as a subsidiary of Xilinx, which supports its efforts to enhance real-time media experiences, particularly in the AWS marketplace.

Neurable

Grant in 2017
Neurable Inc. is a neurotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. The company focuses on developing artificial intelligence software that translates brain activity into actionable insights, allowing users to control software and devices solely with their thoughts. Neurable's technology facilitates various applications, including gaming, operating toys, and driving vehicles, as well as enhancing experiences in virtual and augmented reality. By leveraging patented signal processing methods and a multidisciplinary approach that combines neuroscience, biology, statistics, and machine learning, Neurable aims to create high-performance brain-computer interfaces that are accessible and user-friendly.

Aira

Grant in 2017
Aira is dedicated to enhancing accessibility for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The company offers remote visual interpretation services through an app that connects users with highly trained Visual Interpreters. By streaming live video from the user's smartphone camera, these interpreters assist with a variety of tasks, including navigation and face recognition, enabling users to engage more fully in daily activities. Additionally, Aira has developed a wearable assistive product that utilizes smart glasses and an augmented reality dashboard, allowing certified agents to see what the user sees in real-time. This combination of technology and human support empowers visually impaired individuals to navigate their environments with greater independence and confidence.

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 specializes in parallel reality technology that allows multiple viewers to simultaneously experience different content on the same digital display. This innovative approach enables public venues such as airports, stadiums, shopping malls, and resorts to provide personalized information to individual visitors, enhancing their experience. The company's advanced pixel technology can project up to a million light rays of varying colors and brightness, facilitating the targeted delivery of visual media to specific people and locations without complications. This capability positions Misapplied Sciences as a leader in transforming how digital information is shared in public spaces.

Tactai

Grant in 2017
Tactai is a company focused on developing the world's first wearable device that allows users to experience touch and feel for virtual objects with remarkable realism. Utilizing its patent-pending Dynamic Tactile Wave™ technology, Tactai creates multi-modal experiences that engage users' senses by integrating touch, sound, and light. The company's high-fidelity haptic device is designed to enhance interaction within virtual reality applications, offering precise life-like touch sensations through advanced hand and finger tracking. Tactai's products are aimed at delivering immersive experiences across various 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, specializing in projected augmented reality. Founded in 2014, the company develops innovative solutions that enable users to create and project animated content onto various scenes. Their offerings include sound-reactive projectors, projector kits, and a desktop application that simplifies the projection mapping workflow, allowing for seamless control and content updates via laptop or smartphone. Lightform's technology incorporates 3D scanning capabilities, enabling the capture of complex scenes and automatic alignment adjustments, which enhance the integration of real objects with projected imagery. By streamlining the creation and projection process, Lightform empowers users to transform spaces with dynamic visual effects and ambient interfaces.

Summit Technology Laboratory

Grant in 2016
Summit Technology Laboratory specializes in developing advanced platforms for Spatially Augmented Reality, focusing on immersive data analytics and situational awareness across various sectors, including commercial, industrial, defense, and emergency management. Their technology allows for the rapid capture of surface shapes and the completion of projection mapping in just 3-4 minutes, accommodating both complex and simple geometries. The system is designed for compatibility with existing setups or can be customized to meet specific requirements, enhancing operational efficiency by reducing touch time and lifecycle costs while maximizing system uptime. Additionally, Summit is advancing Projected Augmented Reality for AI-enabled Remote Surgical Guidance, particularly in craniofacial surgery, aiming to improve surgical outcomes and expand capacity. Their platform supports multiple applications through a unified code, enabling interactive experiences that surpass traditional flat displays, thus providing businesses with innovative ways to engage customers and present information.

JoyLabz

Grant in 2016
JoyLabz is a project and development company founded in 2012 and based in Santa Cruz, California, specializing in the design of augmented reality devices. The company focuses on creating innovative products such as do-it-yourself devices, hardware integration tools, and digital learning boxes. These offerings aim to provide users with opportunities to explore and experiment with new system integrations, enhancing their augmented reality experiences while fostering creativity and invention.

NGCodec

Grant in 2016
NGCodec Inc. specializes in video encoding technology that adheres to the HEVC standard, also known as H.265, and supports AVC/H.264. Founded in 2012 and based in Sunnyvale, California, the company develops innovative solutions for cloud video processing, transcoding, and interactive applications in virtual and augmented reality. NGCodec's flagship product, Reality Codec, is designed for ultra-low latency and high-quality video compression, utilizing advanced algorithms and silicon logic. The company primarily targets markets such as decoder system-on-chip, encoder field-programmable gate array, and encoder system-on-chip, and serves clients globally. As of July 2019, NGCodec operates as a subsidiary of Xilinx, which supports its efforts to enhance real-time media experiences, particularly in the AWS marketplace.

LightUp

Grant in 2016
LightUp, Inc. is an educational technology company based in the United States that develops an electronics construction kit and a mobile application designed to teach children the fundamentals of technology through hands-on learning. The kit includes electronic building blocks with optically recognizable codes, allowing kids to construct electronic circuits while engaging with augmented reality features. The accompanying mobile application enhances this experience by providing interactive tutorials and educational labs, fostering a deeper understanding of electronics and coding in a fun and engaging manner. Through its innovative approach, LightUp aims to bridge the gap between traditional learning and modern technology, making education more accessible and enjoyable for young learners.

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.

Misapplied Sciences

Grant in 2015
Misapplied Sciences specializes in parallel reality technology that allows multiple viewers to simultaneously experience different content on the same digital display. This innovative approach enables public venues such as airports, stadiums, shopping malls, and resorts to provide personalized information to individual visitors, enhancing their experience. The company's advanced pixel technology can project up to a million light rays of varying colors and brightness, facilitating the targeted delivery of visual media to specific people and locations without complications. This capability positions Misapplied Sciences as a leader in transforming how digital information is shared in public spaces.

CONSTRUKTS

Seed Round in 2015
CONSTRUKTS is a mixed-reality platform combining physical block constructions with the power of learner-focused challenges and real-time model analysis. CONSTRUKTS is a hands-on learning platform that merges smart blocks constructions with a virtual 3D model of the construction to strengthen spatial thinking, STEM learning, and creativity.CONSTRUKTS is hardware to software solution for connecting IoT smart blocks to an artificial intelligence knowledge engine to augment hands-on learning with real-time generated STEM learning challenges. We believe that creativity is a way to empower learners to realize their potential as future innovators. We believe it is the responsibility of technology innovators to challenge how advanced technologies are integrated into our everyday lives.

Caugnate

Grant in 2015
Caugnate specializes in developing augmented reality technology aimed at enhancing remote collaboration, particularly for tasks that require physical interaction, such as equipment maintenance and repair. By utilizing computer vision and augmented reality, the company creates innovative tools that allow users to experience each other's spatial environments more directly. This approach provides a significant advantage in collaborative efforts, facilitating more effective problem-solving and communication in scenarios involving physical objects and spaces.

LightUp

Grant in 2015
LightUp, Inc. is an educational technology company based in the United States that develops an electronics construction kit and a mobile application designed to teach children the fundamentals of technology through hands-on learning. The kit includes electronic building blocks with optically recognizable codes, allowing kids to construct electronic circuits while engaging with augmented reality features. The accompanying mobile application enhances this experience by providing interactive tutorials and educational labs, fostering a deeper understanding of electronics and coding in a fun and engaging manner. Through its innovative approach, LightUp aims to bridge the gap between traditional learning and modern technology, making education more accessible and enjoyable for young learners.

Lightform

Grant in 2015
Lightform, Inc. is a computer vision and hardware company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in projected augmented reality. Founded in 2014, the company develops innovative solutions that enable users to create and project animated content onto various scenes. Their offerings include sound-reactive projectors, projector kits, and a desktop application that simplifies the projection mapping workflow, allowing for seamless control and content updates via laptop or smartphone. Lightform's technology incorporates 3D scanning capabilities, enabling the capture of complex scenes and automatic alignment adjustments, which enhance the integration of real objects with projected imagery. By streamlining the creation and projection process, Lightform empowers users to transform spaces with dynamic visual effects and ambient interfaces.

NGCodec

Grant in 2014
NGCodec Inc. specializes in video encoding technology that adheres to the HEVC standard, also known as H.265, and supports AVC/H.264. Founded in 2012 and based in Sunnyvale, California, the company develops innovative solutions for cloud video processing, transcoding, and interactive applications in virtual and augmented reality. NGCodec's flagship product, Reality Codec, is designed for ultra-low latency and high-quality video compression, utilizing advanced algorithms and silicon logic. The company primarily targets markets such as decoder system-on-chip, encoder field-programmable gate array, and encoder system-on-chip, and serves clients globally. As of July 2019, NGCodec operates as a subsidiary of Xilinx, which supports its efforts to enhance real-time media experiences, particularly in the AWS marketplace.

WisdomTools

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

Lumiode

Grant in 2014
Lumiode, Inc. is a semiconductor company based in New York City, specializing in the development and manufacture of high-brightness microdisplays for augmented reality and other display applications. Founded in 2012, Lumiode focuses on creating innovative solutions for head-worn devices, aiming to enhance visual experiences in various settings. The company is supported by venture backing from IP Group and Applied Ventures, positioning it for growth in the rapidly evolving display technology market.

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 based in New York City, specializing in the development and manufacture of high-brightness microdisplays for augmented reality and other display applications. Founded in 2012, Lumiode focuses on creating innovative solutions for head-worn devices, aiming to enhance visual experiences in various settings. The company is supported by venture backing from IP Group and Applied Ventures, positioning it for growth in the rapidly evolving display technology market.

CONSTRUKTS

Grant in 2008
CONSTRUKTS is a mixed-reality platform combining physical block constructions with the power of learner-focused challenges and real-time model analysis. CONSTRUKTS is a hands-on learning platform that merges smart blocks constructions with a virtual 3D model of the construction to strengthen spatial thinking, STEM learning, and creativity.CONSTRUKTS is hardware to software solution for connecting IoT smart blocks to an artificial intelligence knowledge engine to augment hands-on learning with real-time generated STEM learning challenges. We believe that creativity is a way to empower learners to realize their potential as future innovators. We believe it is the responsibility of technology innovators to challenge how advanced technologies are integrated into our everyday lives.
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