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 Laser

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.

Indrio Technologies

Grant in 2022
Indrio Technologies specializes in the development of advanced laser-absorption-based sensors for detecting and measuring chemical concentrations in challenging industrial environments. These sensors are designed to monitor combustion products and hazardous chemicals, including NOx, ammonia, and various volatile compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). Indrio's products offer calibration-free sensing capabilities, portability, and durability, featuring an internal pump and low power consumption. This technology is particularly beneficial for applications in leak detection and exhaust monitoring, providing clients with reliable and efficient solutions for chemical detection in high-temperature and high-pressure settings.

HardShell Labs

Grant in 2022
HardShell Labs develops and launches services and products producing profits and environmental conservation internet-controlled guardian angel rovers, predation research on endangered juvenile desert tortoises by ravens, and laser research for agricultural use.

Iris Light Technologies

Grant in 2021
Iris Light Technologies is an electronics company that focuses on advancing the cloud through innovative on-chip laser technology. It specializes in artificial intelligence, 5G communications, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The company has developed a proprietary and scalable method to deposit multiple lasers onto a single chip, enhancing the bandwidth and energy efficiency of light chips. This technology supports applications in optical communications, optical sensors, and various emerging areas, including IoT sensors, positioning Iris Light Technologies as a key player in the rapidly growing silicon photonics market.

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.

Impact Photonics

Grant in 2021
Impact Photonics provides a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor-compatible single photon avalanche diode based on germanium that operates at eye-safe wavelengths. The device structure will be developed with particular emphasis on the semiconductor growth process.

Quintessent

Grant in 2021
Quintessent is a Santa Barbara start-up that commercializes quantum dot-based lasers and photonic integrated circuits. Its solutions leverage the unique properties of quantum dot gain media with co-designed architectures to enable future applications in optical networking, deep learning systems, and sensing. It is based in Santa Barbara, California.

Lumina Instruments

Grant in 2021
Lumina Instruments develops laser optical scanning equipment for the rapidly expanding market of glass used in high-tech products. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.

Supremetric

Grant in 2021
Supremetric, founded in 2019 and based in Glenmont, New York, specializes in the development of forensic applications aimed at enhancing the analysis of biological stains. The company focuses on creating innovative methods utilizing laser spectroscopy and advanced statistical techniques. Its offerings include a universal nondestructive approach for detecting, identifying, and analyzing various body fluids, which can assist organizations in obtaining patented methods for forensic identification. Through these advancements, Supremetric aims to streamline forensic analysis processes for small businesses and other entities in the field.

Indrio Technologies

Grant in 2020
Indrio Technologies specializes in the development of advanced laser-absorption-based sensors for detecting and measuring chemical concentrations in challenging industrial environments. These sensors are designed to monitor combustion products and hazardous chemicals, including NOx, ammonia, and various volatile compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). Indrio's products offer calibration-free sensing capabilities, portability, and durability, featuring an internal pump and low power consumption. This technology is particularly beneficial for applications in leak detection and exhaust monitoring, providing clients with reliable and efficient solutions for chemical detection in high-temperature and high-pressure settings.

Combplex

Grant in 2020
Combplex specializes in remote monitoring technology aimed at enhancing digital agriculture and big data applications for commercial beekeepers. The company has developed a laser-based mite control system that effectively eliminates mites from honey bee colonies. This innovative system alerts beekeepers to issues within their colonies, allowing them to prioritize which colonies require further attention. Additionally, it incorporates temperature sensors and IoT connectivity, facilitating the creation of a more resilient ecosystem that contributes to improved bee health across various colonies and communities.

Quintessent

Grant in 2020
Quintessent is a Santa Barbara start-up that commercializes quantum dot-based lasers and photonic integrated circuits. Its solutions leverage the unique properties of quantum dot gain media with co-designed architectures to enable future applications in optical networking, deep learning systems, and sensing. It is based in Santa Barbara, California.

Berkeley Marine Robotics

Grant in 2020
Berkeley Marine Robotics specializes in the development of autonomous underwater swarm robotic systems aimed at enhancing ocean exploration and conservation. The company has created unmanned underwater vehicles that enable efficient inspections of ships entering ports, facilitating fast and cost-effective evaluations through underwater wireless communication. Its technology measures hull-fouling levels, allowing for optimized cleaning schedules and improved coating performance. By leveraging swarm robotics, underwater laser communication, and machine learning for vision models, Berkeley Marine Robotics addresses challenges in GPS-denied and degraded marine environments. This innovation helps shipping operators lower fuel costs and minimize emissions related to biofouling, while also contributing to the protection of marine ecosystems.

Uniqarta

Grant in 2019
Uniqarta specializes in the development of advanced technologies for manufacturing small, ultra-thin integrated circuits (ICs) that can be embedded into everyday materials like paper and plastic. By creating Smart Materials, the company eliminates the need for additional RFID labels, facilitating the advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT). Uniqarta's innovative approach employs laser-enabled assembly techniques, which replace traditional pick-and-place methods with a faster, more efficient massively parallel laser process. This technology addresses integration challenges associated with ultra-thin ICs, allowing electronics manufacturers to produce next-generation products effectively.

Mirada

Grant in 2019
Mirada Technologies, based in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing advanced LiDAR components essential for enhancing driver safety and autonomy in vehicles. The company focuses on creating critical technologies such as laser scanning and detector systems, which are integral to various applications, including optical sorting and industrial vision systems. Mirada's flagship product is a state-of-the-art laser scanner that offers superior ranging distance, field of view, reliability, and scalability. By providing cost-effective solutions, Mirada enables businesses to improve their optical measurement systems, ultimately contributing to the reduction of automotive accidents and fatalities.

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.

Micro-LAM

Grant in 2018
Micro-LAM Technologies, LLC specializes in manufacturing precision laser-focused cutting tools, particularly its hybrid laser-diamond cutting tool system, which is designed for ultra-precision machining of hard and brittle materials such as engineered ceramics, semiconductors, glass, and metals. Established in 2012 and based in Battle Creek, Michigan, the company offers a range of services that include feasibility analysis, process development, system customization, and installation support. These services aim to enhance efficiency and productivity in advanced manufacturing processes across various industries, including optics, aerospace, defense, and automotive. Micro-LAM Technologies is recognized for its innovative approach to solving challenges related to the machining of hard materials, thereby significantly improving production capabilities in the manufacturing sector.

Fluency Lighting Technologies

Grant in 2018
Fluency Lighting Technologies, Inc. is working to create next-generation, low-étendue light sources for highly efficient and flexible design illumination, using laser technology and materials design. Their goal is to provide ultra-efficient light sources, surpassing the limitations of current lighting technologies, and ultimately leading to new functionalities from the traditional light bulb. Their speciality lies in designing light sources for applications that require high control of the output light and a small footprint. This includes tactical flashlights, automotive, aircraft, projector and display, medical device illumination, architectural spotlighting, entertainment spot lighting, and museum and retail downlighting. They enable their customers to implement innovative, cutting-edge technology in their products, driving up sales, and becoming leaders in their market.

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.

Uniqarta

Grant in 2017
Uniqarta specializes in the development of advanced technologies for manufacturing small, ultra-thin integrated circuits (ICs) that can be embedded into everyday materials like paper and plastic. By creating Smart Materials, the company eliminates the need for additional RFID labels, facilitating the advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT). Uniqarta's innovative approach employs laser-enabled assembly techniques, which replace traditional pick-and-place methods with a faster, more efficient massively parallel laser process. This technology addresses integration challenges associated with ultra-thin ICs, allowing electronics manufacturers to produce next-generation products effectively.

Mirada

Grant in 2017
Mirada Technologies, based in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing advanced LiDAR components essential for enhancing driver safety and autonomy in vehicles. The company focuses on creating critical technologies such as laser scanning and detector systems, which are integral to various applications, including optical sorting and industrial vision systems. Mirada's flagship product is a state-of-the-art laser scanner that offers superior ranging distance, field of view, reliability, and scalability. By providing cost-effective solutions, Mirada enables businesses to improve their optical measurement systems, ultimately contributing to the reduction of automotive accidents and fatalities.

Clerio Vision

Grant in 2017
Clerio Vision is a medical device company that specializes in the fields of refractive, laser, ophthalmic, medical device, contact lenses, and intraocular lenses. The company is in process of developing and commercializing a portfolio of next-generation products in contact lenses. Clerio Vision was founded in 2014 and headquartered in Rochester, New York.

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,

AlchLight

Grant in 2017
AlchLight is a research and development company that specializes in advanced and proprietary laser material processing and fabrication. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Rochester, New York.

Uniqarta

Grant in 2016
Uniqarta specializes in the development of advanced technologies for manufacturing small, ultra-thin integrated circuits (ICs) that can be embedded into everyday materials like paper and plastic. By creating Smart Materials, the company eliminates the need for additional RFID labels, facilitating the advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT). Uniqarta's innovative approach employs laser-enabled assembly techniques, which replace traditional pick-and-place methods with a faster, more efficient massively parallel laser process. This technology addresses integration challenges associated with ultra-thin ICs, allowing electronics manufacturers to produce next-generation products effectively.

LightDeck Diagnostics

Grant in 2016
LightDeck is a developer of on-the-spot diagnostic products used to offer fast, accurate, simple, and low-cost diagnostic tests. Its proprietary platform combines an advanced laser waveguide with novel materials and patented manufacturing techniques to deliver lab-quality results anywhere, in minutes that provides emergency departments, nursing homes, and clinics to non-traditional settings such as pharmacies and the workplace with quicker point-of-care testing.

Innoblative Designs

Grant in 2016
Innoblative is developing Sira™, a Saline-assisted Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation device that uses bipolar current to intraoperatively create a controlled zone of ablation. Sira’s unique design and saline microinfusion system allow it to have unparalleled contact with target tissue and to be powered with existing electrosurgical generators already installed in the operating room. This device represents an exciting new option for intraoperative ablation of soft tissue which surgeons can easily adopt.

4D Technology

Grant in 2016
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.

Clerio Vision

Grant in 2016
Clerio Vision is a medical device company that specializes in the fields of refractive, laser, ophthalmic, medical device, contact lenses, and intraocular lenses. The company is in process of developing and commercializing a portfolio of next-generation products in contact lenses. Clerio Vision was founded in 2014 and headquartered in Rochester, New York.

Ayar Labs

Grant in 2015
Ayar Labs, Inc. specializes in the development of optical interconnect technology, focusing on high-density electronic-photonic chiplets and lasers designed to enhance data transmission capabilities. Its flagship product, TeraPHY, is a monolithic in-package optical I/O solution that enables high bandwidth, low latency, and power-efficient short-reach interconnects, making it suitable for applications in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, cloud computing, telecommunications, and aerospace. The company's innovative approach leverages industry-standard silicon processing techniques to create optical interconnect chiplets that replace traditional electrical-based I/O, addressing performance and efficiency challenges in the semiconductor and computing industries. By optimizing data movement within AI systems, Ayar Labs aims to alleviate compute and bandwidth bottlenecks associated with complex large language models, thereby maximizing computational efficiency while minimizing costs and power consumption. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Ayar Labs also has an office in Santa Clara, California.

Z-senz

Grant in 2015
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,

Uniqarta

Grant in 2015
Uniqarta specializes in the development of advanced technologies for manufacturing small, ultra-thin integrated circuits (ICs) that can be embedded into everyday materials like paper and plastic. By creating Smart Materials, the company eliminates the need for additional RFID labels, facilitating the advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT). Uniqarta's innovative approach employs laser-enabled assembly techniques, which replace traditional pick-and-place methods with a faster, more efficient massively parallel laser process. This technology addresses integration challenges associated with ultra-thin ICs, allowing electronics manufacturers to produce next-generation products effectively.

4D Technology

Grant in 2014
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.

Tiger Optics

Grant in 2014
Tiger Optics designs and manufactures laser-based analyzers and electro-optical.

TAG Optics

Grant in 2014
TAG Optics Inc., founded in 2011 and based in Princeton, New Jersey, specializes in the design and manufacturing of custom tunable acoustic gradient index lenses. The company is renowned for its award-winning TAG Lens, recognized as the world's fastest focusing lens, which employs proprietary technology that utilizes sound to shape light. This innovation enables scanning speeds over 1,000 times faster than traditional devices, significantly enhancing performance in various sectors, including medical pathology, laser manufacturing, and industrial imaging. TAG Optics' lenses offer the capability to change focus in sub-microseconds and can be integrated with multiple systems, providing substantial advantages in applications such as machine vision, biological microscopy, and particle counting. In August 2020, TAG Optics was acquired by Mitutoyo Corporation.

LasX Industries

Grant in 2013
LasX Industries provides intelligent laser processing solutions for manufacturing. They offer services that include contract manufacturing, flexible packaging, digital print converting, precision converting, textile, on demand precision cutting, laser cutting machines.

Laser Prismatics

Grant in 2013
Laser Prismatics delivers solutions to meet specific customers' needs, from concept and feasibility studies to prototype and production equipment and continuing technical support. Optical systems design, laser process development, optimization, diagnostics, whole OEM machine design and build, and laser and optics consultancy are among their main competencies.

TPhotonics

Grant in 2013
TPhotonics, founded in 2012 in Southern Arizona, is a company that focuses on developing advanced laser solutions utilizing its patented T-cavity technology. As a spin-off from the University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences, TPhotonics specializes in vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers. These lasers are capable of producing spectrally tunable light across multiple wavelengths, spanning from the ultraviolet to the far infrared regions of the spectrum. This versatility allows TPhotonics to cater to various sectors, including medical, commercial, and military applications, while also supporting scientific research and multi-disciplinary education in exploring new wavelengths and their potential uses.

LongWave Photonics

Grant in 2013
LongWave Photonics offers terahertz quantum cascade laser systems for imaging, spectroscopy, and heterodyne receivers. Their devices are available as multi-mode fabry-period or single-frequency distributed feedback devices. For inquiries, physical addresses are given on their website.

MicroTech Instruments

Grant in 2013
Virginia Investor Portfolio Project - Q4 2021 (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MG-pIE-OQy6Bk3DyFqH2CA9_TWo7pA9rvn18zZxtgoA) MicroTech Instruments manufactures instruments for laser micromachining, coherent raman, multi-photon and terahertz imaging and spectroscopy applications. The company provides a wide range of equipment such as wire gride polarizers, polarization rotators, polyethylene lenses, and THz low pass filters. MicroTech Instruments was established in 1995 by Vladimir Kozlov in Eugene, Oregon.

TAG Optics

Grant in 2013
TAG Optics Inc., founded in 2011 and based in Princeton, New Jersey, specializes in the design and manufacturing of custom tunable acoustic gradient index lenses. The company is renowned for its award-winning TAG Lens, recognized as the world's fastest focusing lens, which employs proprietary technology that utilizes sound to shape light. This innovation enables scanning speeds over 1,000 times faster than traditional devices, significantly enhancing performance in various sectors, including medical pathology, laser manufacturing, and industrial imaging. TAG Optics' lenses offer the capability to change focus in sub-microseconds and can be integrated with multiple systems, providing substantial advantages in applications such as machine vision, biological microscopy, and particle counting. In August 2020, TAG Optics was acquired by Mitutoyo Corporation.

Wasatch Photonics

Grant in 2013
Wasatch Photonics is a manufacturer of spectrometers. They offer products that include gratings, spectroscopy, spectrometers, systems, probes, lasers, enlighten software, library matching, and a shift calculator.

XUV Lasers

Grant in 2012
XUV Lasers focuses on developing compact ultraviolet lasers and ultraviolet optical systems. Its technology facilitates a range of applications, including nanoscale imaging, nanopatterning, single-photon ionization mass spectroscopy, interferometry, dense plasma diagnostics, and nanoscale material ablation. By enabling tabletop experiments, XUV Lasers supports clients in advancing their capabilities in single-photon ionization mass spectroscopy and semiconductor manufacturing, among other fields.

Shasta Crystals

Grant in 2012
Shasta Crystals, Inc. specializes in the production of nonlinear optical crystals essential for visible laser light generation and YAG crystals for infrared and medical laser applications. The company offers specific products such as PPMgLN optics for green light generation and KLN for blue and UV light generation. In addition to standard offerings, Shasta Crystals engages in the custom growth of both pure and doped congruently melting crystals, the development of various compositions from solid solutions, and the growth of different refractory materials. The company also conducts custom studies on the material properties of known crystals and explores novel applications for crystal materials. Founded in 2006 and originally based in Anderson, California, Shasta Crystals has since relocated to San Francisco, California.

Daylight Solutions

Grant in 2012
Daylight Solutions, Inc. manufactures molecular detection and imaging instruments for the medical diagnostics, homeland security, military, and industrial/environmental monitoring applications. The company also manufactures tunable lasers and tiny tunables for original equipment manufacture and scientific applications. It offers solutions for non-invasive medical diagnostics, medical imaging, and drug discovery applications in biomedical field; for detection and alert applications in military markets; for detection applications in homeland security market; and for process monitoring and leak detection applications in industrial market. Daylight Solutions, Inc., through distributors, offers its solutions in China, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Poway, California.

Micro-LAM

Grant in 2012
Micro-LAM Technologies, LLC specializes in manufacturing precision laser-focused cutting tools, particularly its hybrid laser-diamond cutting tool system, which is designed for ultra-precision machining of hard and brittle materials such as engineered ceramics, semiconductors, glass, and metals. Established in 2012 and based in Battle Creek, Michigan, the company offers a range of services that include feasibility analysis, process development, system customization, and installation support. These services aim to enhance efficiency and productivity in advanced manufacturing processes across various industries, including optics, aerospace, defense, and automotive. Micro-LAM Technologies is recognized for its innovative approach to solving challenges related to the machining of hard materials, thereby significantly improving production capabilities in the manufacturing sector.

KMLabs

Grant in 2012
KMLabs specializes in the manufacturing of ultrafast laser systems tailored for both research and industrial applications. The company focuses on advancing ultrashort-pulse and short-wavelength laser technologies, offering optimized tabletop ultrafast laser sources that cover a spectrum range from 1 to 200 nm, including VUV, EUV, and soft X-ray wavelengths. KMLabs' products find utility in various fields, including life sciences, material science, semiconductors, and manufacturing, providing customers with flexible fiber lasers that deliver high average power.

Shasta Crystals

Grant in 2010
Shasta Crystals, Inc. specializes in the production of nonlinear optical crystals essential for visible laser light generation and YAG crystals for infrared and medical laser applications. The company offers specific products such as PPMgLN optics for green light generation and KLN for blue and UV light generation. In addition to standard offerings, Shasta Crystals engages in the custom growth of both pure and doped congruently melting crystals, the development of various compositions from solid solutions, and the growth of different refractory materials. The company also conducts custom studies on the material properties of known crystals and explores novel applications for crystal materials. Founded in 2006 and originally based in Anderson, California, Shasta Crystals has since relocated to San Francisco, California.
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