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 Drones

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.

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.

Voltela

Grant in 2021
Voltela specializes in connectivity assurance for commercial drones, facilitating their operation beyond visual line of sight. The company develops communication technologies and scalable platforms that ensure guaranteed connectivity for autonomous vehicles. By utilizing a patent-pending system that transmits data through voice channels in mobile networks, Voltela offers prioritized links with low latency. This innovation enables drone operators to navigate safely while relying on existing communication services, thereby supporting the growth and scalability of the drone industry.

Two Bears Environmental Consulting

Grant in 2021
Two Bears Environmental Consulting, founded in 2015 and based in Anchorage, Alaska, specializes in providing environmental services that assess the impact of climate change on various projects. The company produces climate impact statements that evaluate environmental influences and projected climate scenarios, helping clients understand potential risks. Additionally, Two Bears assists in securing grants from government and organizational sources, and offers unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) services for drone-based data collection. This combination of services helps ensure regulatory compliance and promotes sustainable practices among businesses.

Epirus

Grant in 2021
Epirus, Inc. is a company focused on developing advanced defense technologies that utilize artificial intelligence and directed energy systems. Based in Hawthorne, California, it specializes in solid-state, software-defined high-power microwave systems designed to counter unmanned aircraft and other asymmetric threats. The company's flagship product, ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE, functions as a drone countermeasure by delivering multiple beams simultaneously, effectively disrupting and neutralizing aerial threats. Additionally, Epirus employs AI and computer vision to enhance its capabilities in detecting and tracking various targets of interest. Founded in 2018, Epirus aims to provide innovative solutions for both national security and commercial applications, optimizing power management and efficiency in electronic warfare scenarios.

SubUAS

Grant in 2021
SubUAS provides vehicles that operate in rough weather and underwater current conditions and can carry a suite of sensors custom to each mission, enabling clients to conduct inspection, reconnaissance, and payload delivery missions quickly and with reduced costs.

Revolute Robotics

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Revolute Robotics builds inspection and surveillance robots to collect data where never before possible. The company's Hybrid Mobility Robot (HMR) can safely fly in confined spaces and drive to multiply operating time.

Rotoye

Grant in 2021
Rotoye is a multirotor and avionics technology developer and researcher. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Marietta, Georgia.

BirdHabitatBot

Grant in 2021
BirdHabitatBot specializes in developing robotic systems aimed at eliminating invasive plant species from natural environments. The company utilizes drones equipped with unpiloted aerial systems to capture images that facilitate the mapping, monitoring, and removal of non-native invasive plants in deciduous forests. These invasive species pose a serious threat to forest habitats, leading to the degradation of ecosystems. By providing natural resource professionals with advanced tools to manage understory invasive shrubs, BirdHabitatBot enhances the ability to restore and maintain habitats for native plants and wildlife.

Comon

Grant in 2021
Comon provides species identification, ecological monitoring, and geological assessment services. They offer unpiloted aerial systems' images for mapping, monitoring, and identifying rare and invasive species and provide reports on water loggers, soil samples, temperature, historic weather, and tidal data, enabling natural resource managers and conservation organizations to determine practices for sites.

SeaDrone

Grant in 2021
SeaDrone specializes in reducing the costs associated with subsea infrastructure inspections through the use of innovative robotic hardware and mobile software. Their platform includes an aerial drone system specifically designed for underwater observation and filming, allowing professionals to conduct inspections efficiently and effectively. By leveraging low-cost technology, SeaDrone provides a comprehensive underwater visual inspection service that streamlines the inspection process for various industries.

Drone Amplified

Grant in 2020
IGNIS from Drone Amplified is the innovation that makes fire management technology safer and more affordable for land owners, public wild lands, and federal and state agencies.

Revolute Robotics

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Revolute Robotics builds inspection and surveillance robots to collect data where never before possible. The company's Hybrid Mobility Robot (HMR) can safely fly in confined spaces and drive to multiply operating time.

Volant Aerial

Grant in 2020
Volant Aerial provides deepred for monitoring platform that combines technology from drones, computer vision, and IoT. The platform delivers invaluable datapoints and viewpoints and faster decision-making for numerous applications, including forest fire early detection, security, crop analysis, construction monitoring, workforce monitoring, inventory management, port monitoring, wildlife management, natural disaster monitoring, and much more.

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.

Two Bears Environmental Consulting

Grant in 2020
Two Bears Environmental Consulting, founded in 2015 and based in Anchorage, Alaska, specializes in providing environmental services that assess the impact of climate change on various projects. The company produces climate impact statements that evaluate environmental influences and projected climate scenarios, helping clients understand potential risks. Additionally, Two Bears assists in securing grants from government and organizational sources, and offers unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) services for drone-based data collection. This combination of services helps ensure regulatory compliance and promotes sustainable practices among businesses.

OAM Photonics

Grant in 2020
OAM Photonics provides photonic sensing solutions for 3D imaging with applications in autonomous driving, drone, and robotics.

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.

Akrobotix

Grant in 2019
Akrobotix is a research and product development startup focusing on autonomous systems and robotics technology for space, air, land and sea applications.

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.

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.

IntelinAir

Grant in 2019
IntelinAir, Inc. is an aerial imagery analytics company based in San Jose, California, that specializes in providing actionable intelligence to the agriculture sector. Founded in 2014, IntelinAir develops technology solutions that utilize aerial data to facilitate quick decision-making for farmers. Their innovative SafeSmart technology includes precision flight and data analysis capabilities, embodied in their UAV products, such as the SafeSmart RD-100 and RD-200, which serve academic research and development needs. The company's interactive crop intelligence platform offers comprehensive field views, prioritizes monitoring efforts, and supports timely assessments, enabling farmers and agricultural retailers to enhance operational efficiency, improve crop yields, and identify sustainability opportunities. Through these solutions, IntelinAir aims to empower farmers to make data-driven decisions that ultimately increase profitability.

Rotoye

Grant in 2019
Rotoye is a multirotor and avionics technology developer and researcher. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Marietta, Georgia.

Drone Amplified

Grant in 2019
IGNIS from Drone Amplified is the innovation that makes fire management technology safer and more affordable for land owners, public wild lands, and federal and state agencies.

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.

Resonant Link

Grant in 2018
Resonant Link LLC, founded in 2017 and based in Shelburne, Vermont, specializes in the development of advanced wireless charging solutions utilizing innovative coil technology. The company's signature product, the multi-layer self-resonant structure (MSRS), enhances the efficiency and performance of wireless power systems. Serving diverse industries including robotics, drones, and electric vehicles, Resonant Link aims to deliver wireless power solutions that are fast, safe, and reliable. By eliminating costly components found in traditional wireless chargers, Resonant Link's technology not only improves efficiency but also reduces the size, weight, and overall cost of charging systems. This enables a wide range of applications, from large industrial vehicles to compact medical devices.

Reconstruct

Grant in 2018
Reconstruct, Inc. specializes in predictive computer vision data analytics software tailored for construction projects. Its visual production management platform facilitates data collection through drones, fixed cameras, or mobile devices, enabling effective progress analysis and documentation. By visualizing images and 3D points aligned with Building Information Modeling (BIM), the platform enhances coordination and transparency among project stakeholders. It identifies locations at risk of delays, allowing for proactive weekly work planning, and integrates schedules with BIM animations to illustrate any changes in plans. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Champaign, Illinois, Reconstruct aims to improve construction management by fostering better communication and visibility, thereby mitigating risks and ensuring project returns on investment.

Aware Vehicles

Grant in 2018
Aware Vehicles, founded in 2017 and based in Kansas City, Missouri, specializes in the development of autonomous drones that capture and analyze spectral aerial images. These drones leverage advanced imaging technology and artificial intelligence to serve various sectors, including precision agriculture, defense, disaster response, logistics, and infrastructure. By providing precise asset inspections and enhancing emergency response and communication capabilities, Aware Vehicles aims to meet the diverse needs of its clients through innovative aerial solutions.

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.

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.

AutoModality

Grant in 2017
AutoModality is dedicated to creating autonomous mobile systems that sense, explore, and analyze the world around us. They provide technology and services for automated close-up inspection using drones and are currently focused on the Agriculture and Infrastructure inspection markets. AutoModality is also the home of Team Autero, the winner of the 2016 DJI SDK Challenge.

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.

Planck Aerosystems

Grant in 2016
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.

Lunewave

Grant in 2016
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.

Qelzal

Grant in 2016
Qelzal Corporation, based in La Jolla, California, specializes in developing advanced artificial intelligence-driven systems for object and activity recognition. The company's product offerings include the Perception Appliance, which enhances the capabilities of autonomous vehicles and robots, and an image-free sensing system that utilizes brain-inspired artificial intelligence. Qelzal's technology significantly improves the safety and efficiency of commercial drones, enabling them to fly autonomously in near-earth environments without the risk of collisions. The company's solutions target various sectors, including building automation, security, mobile robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Incorporated in 2014, Qelzal is committed to advancing obstacle avoidance systems and fostering innovation in the realm of autonomous technology.

IntelinAir

Grant in 2015
IntelinAir, Inc. is an aerial imagery analytics company based in San Jose, California, that specializes in providing actionable intelligence to the agriculture sector. Founded in 2014, IntelinAir develops technology solutions that utilize aerial data to facilitate quick decision-making for farmers. Their innovative SafeSmart technology includes precision flight and data analysis capabilities, embodied in their UAV products, such as the SafeSmart RD-100 and RD-200, which serve academic research and development needs. The company's interactive crop intelligence platform offers comprehensive field views, prioritizes monitoring efforts, and supports timely assessments, enabling farmers and agricultural retailers to enhance operational efficiency, improve crop yields, and identify sustainability opportunities. Through these solutions, IntelinAir aims to empower farmers to make data-driven decisions that ultimately increase profitability.

SkySpecs

Grant in 2014
SkySpecs, Inc. specializes in developing unmanned aerial vehicles and associated technologies to automate operations and maintenance within the wind energy sector. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with an additional office in Amsterdam, the company offers a range of services including analytics, engineering projects, and wind turbine blade services. Its solutions feature collaborative software for data management and analysis, digitization of data, and comprehensive planning for repair campaigns. SkySpecs also provides Horizon, a reporting and collaboration tool that serves as a central repository for blade operation and maintenance data, facilitating streamlined tasks and communication with third parties. The company's focus is on enhancing productivity, efficiency, and returns for its clients in renewable energy asset management.

Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing

Grant in 2014
Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc., a Tucson, Arizona-based producer of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and advanced ceramic materials.

Launchpoint

Grant in 2013
LaunchPoint is a developer of advanced electric and hybrid-electric propulsion and power generation systems, primarily serving the aerospace, defense, and power generation sectors. Founded in 2020 and based in Goleta, California, the company specializes in vehicle propulsion and motor control systems designed for a range of applications, including drones and air mobility solutions for both passenger and cargo transport. Their products can be air or liquid-cooled and are software-controlled, providing innovative alternatives for clients in the government and defense industries looking to implement electric and hybrid electric flight systems.

Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing

Grant in 2012
Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc., a Tucson, Arizona-based producer of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and advanced ceramic materials.
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