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 iOS

BlinxeL

Grant in 2022
Blinxel is developing an innovative augmented reality content creation platform aimed at democratizing the production of AR content. The company is focused on its Blink platform, which allows users to create realistic 3D content with a low-cost depth camera and a computer. This user-friendly approach enables anyone to generate augmented reality experiences, which can be easily uploaded to the cloud for access on Android and iOS devices worldwide. By leveraging a volumetric video system, Blinxel integrates photo-realistic video of individuals with both 2D and 3D content, making AR technology more accessible for organizations seeking to engage a global audience and enhance their profitability. Blinxel's vision is to unlock the full potential of augmented reality by allowing everyone to participate in its creation.

Kapalya

Grant in 2021
Kapalya Inc. specializes in developing a mobile application that facilitates secure access to corporate and cloud servers for both Apple iOS and Android devices. The Kapalya app enables users to navigate and transfer files between various platforms, including corporate SharePoint farms, Windows file shares, and cloud storage applications, utilizing fingerprint recognition for enhanced security. The company also provides real-time encryption key management, ensuring the protection of sensitive files both at-rest and in-transit across multiple endpoints and cloud platforms. Kapalya's services cater to chief information officers, chief information security officers, executives, and enterprise users, allowing them to securely manage and share encrypted files. Founded in 2015, Kapalya is headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, with an additional office in Berkeley, California.

Sober Grid

Grant in 2019
Sober Grid, Inc. is a digital health company that operates a sober social network aimed at supporting individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Incorporated in 2015 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company has developed a mobile application available on both iOS and Android platforms. The app allows users to connect with others who are also navigating sobriety, fostering a community where they can share experiences and challenges. Sober Grid's platform is utilized in over 170 countries and has been accessed more than 20 million times. It integrates features such as GPS locator interfaces, direct messaging, and educational resources, while also offering certified coaching services available 24/7. The app employs a unique community-based approach to chronic disease management, utilizing predictive analytics to anticipate relapse risks and provide timely interventions. Sober Grid's commitment to improving health outcomes is supported by research collaborations with esteemed institutions like Harvard Medical School and the University of Pennsylvania, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing relapse rates among users.

Docbot

Grant in 2019
Docbot, Inc. is an artificial intelligence technology company based in Irvine, California, that specializes in gastrointestinal diseases. The company develops web-based applications for iOS and Android devices, offering a clinical decision support system that aggregates patient information and provides cloud analytics for healthcare professionals. Its flagship product is built on the UltivisionAI software platform, which focuses on real-time image analysis and automated reporting. This platform is designed to detect colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions by integrating various data sources from imaging systems and pathology requisitions. Docbot aims to enhance patient care and streamline clinical workflows, ultimately reducing cancer risks and improving outcomes for patients in the gastrointestinal specialty.

Moondrop Entertainment

Grant in 2018
Moondrop Entertainment is an iPad app that motivates kids and families to create, save, share, and print artwork. Their feeatures that include uncomplicated and safe, professional grade printing, designed for families, encourages creativity, trouble-free sharing, and all fun, no mess.

Thunkable

Grant in 2017
Thunkable is a U.S.-based company that offers a platform for users to create mobile applications without extensive coding knowledge. Originating from MIT's App Inventor and participating in YCombinator's W2016 batch, Thunkable provides a free drag-and-drop interface that simplifies the app development process. Users can design applications using built-in templates and make real-time changes, which can be instantly previewed on their devices through the Thunkable mobile app. The platform supports automatic formatting for deployment across major operating systems, including Android and iOS, enabling individuals to build and publish native apps efficiently. By eliminating the need for large development tools or complex coding, Thunkable empowers users to create functional applications easily and share them directly with others or upload them to app stores.

Blumio

Grant in 2017
Blumio, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in developing non-invasive wearable sensors for cardiovascular diagnostics, particularly blood pressure monitoring. The company’s innovative technology employs radio frequency to detect and analyze arterial tissue movements, allowing for continuous blood pressure measurement without the need for traditional inflatable cuffs. Blumio aims to address the limitations of conventional blood pressure monitoring methods, which typically rely on measurements taken at rest with a sphygmomanometer. By providing a portable sensor that can be integrated with everyday devices, such as an iPhone case, Blumio enables users to accurately track their blood pressure throughout daily activities, enhancing the understanding of cardiovascular health.

AetherTouch

Grant in 2017
AetherTouch specializes in acoustic wave technology that allows users to control electronic devices without direct contact with screens. The company develops a software development kit that facilitates the integration of its technology into various applications and operating systems. By employing advanced signal processing algorithms, AetherTouch's solution offers precise two-dimensional tracking, making it suitable for smartphones, tablets, computers, and larger consumer electronics. This innovative approach aims to reduce power consumption and address privacy concerns commonly associated with conventional camera-based technologies. Additionally, AetherTouch supports scientists in commercializing their technologies, enhancing the potential for advancements in smart device applications.

Sober Grid

Grant in 2017
Sober Grid, Inc. is a digital health company that operates a sober social network aimed at supporting individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Incorporated in 2015 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company has developed a mobile application available on both iOS and Android platforms. The app allows users to connect with others who are also navigating sobriety, fostering a community where they can share experiences and challenges. Sober Grid's platform is utilized in over 170 countries and has been accessed more than 20 million times. It integrates features such as GPS locator interfaces, direct messaging, and educational resources, while also offering certified coaching services available 24/7. The app employs a unique community-based approach to chronic disease management, utilizing predictive analytics to anticipate relapse risks and provide timely interventions. Sober Grid's commitment to improving health outcomes is supported by research collaborations with esteemed institutions like Harvard Medical School and the University of Pennsylvania, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing relapse rates among users.

CueThink

Grant in 2017
CueThink Inc. is a Boston-based company that provides a peer-to-peer mobile learning platform aimed at enhancing math problem-solving skills for students in grades 4-12. Founded in 2012 and incubated by PayPal, CueThink's platform allows students to develop systematic problem-solving abilities, improve their math language, and engage in collaborative learning by sharing strategies with peers. Teachers benefit from analytics on student growth and can align their instruction with Common Core standards, while parents can monitor their children's progress through portfolios showcasing strategies and feedback. The company's offerings include Quantum, an iPad application designed for grades 4-8, which supports the growing trend of one-to-one technology in classrooms. CueThink's innovative approach addresses the need for deeper learning in mathematics, leveraging students' familiarity with social media and gaming to create an engaging educational experience. The development of its platform was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, and it has been successfully piloted in various classrooms.

Kiko Labs

Grant in 2016
Kiko Labs is a game development company based in San Carlos, California, founded in 2013. The company specializes in creating neuroscience-based games aimed at enhancing cognitive skills essential for academic success in children. Its flagship product, Thinking Time, is an adaptive cognitive training game designed for early learners aged 3 to 7. This game focuses on developing executive functions such as memory, inhibition, focus, and cognitive flexibility through engaging challenges. Additionally, Thinking Time targets reasoning and spatial skills, providing a comprehensive approach to cognitive development. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can utilize an in-app metrics dashboard to monitor children's progress across various skill areas, ensuring a supportive learning environment.

Moondrop Entertainment

Grant in 2016
Moondrop Entertainment is an iPad app that motivates kids and families to create, save, share, and print artwork. Their feeatures that include uncomplicated and safe, professional grade printing, designed for families, encourages creativity, trouble-free sharing, and all fun, no mess.

Teachley

Grant in 2016
Teachley, LLC is an educational technology company based in New York that specializes in developing math applications grounded in cognitive science research. The company's offerings include Addimal Adventure, an iPad app designed for students in grades K-2 that focuses on single-digit addition, and Mt. Multiplis, which teaches complex multiplication strategies to students in grades three to five. In addition to its educational applications, Teachley provides Teachley Analytics, a tool that helps schools assess student progress against Common Core standards, identify at-risk students, and customize classroom instruction. By focusing on foundational math concepts, Teachley aims to enhance students' conceptual understanding, fluency, and problem-solving skills, thereby promoting overall student achievement.

AetherTouch

Grant in 2016
AetherTouch specializes in acoustic wave technology that allows users to control electronic devices without direct contact with screens. The company develops a software development kit that facilitates the integration of its technology into various applications and operating systems. By employing advanced signal processing algorithms, AetherTouch's solution offers precise two-dimensional tracking, making it suitable for smartphones, tablets, computers, and larger consumer electronics. This innovative approach aims to reduce power consumption and address privacy concerns commonly associated with conventional camera-based technologies. Additionally, AetherTouch supports scientists in commercializing their technologies, enhancing the potential for advancements in smart device applications.

Sober Grid

Seed Round in 2016
Sober Grid, Inc. is a digital health company that operates a sober social network aimed at supporting individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Incorporated in 2015 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company has developed a mobile application available on both iOS and Android platforms. The app allows users to connect with others who are also navigating sobriety, fostering a community where they can share experiences and challenges. Sober Grid's platform is utilized in over 170 countries and has been accessed more than 20 million times. It integrates features such as GPS locator interfaces, direct messaging, and educational resources, while also offering certified coaching services available 24/7. The app employs a unique community-based approach to chronic disease management, utilizing predictive analytics to anticipate relapse risks and provide timely interventions. Sober Grid's commitment to improving health outcomes is supported by research collaborations with esteemed institutions like Harvard Medical School and the University of Pennsylvania, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing relapse rates among users.

CueThink

Grant in 2015
CueThink Inc. is a Boston-based company that provides a peer-to-peer mobile learning platform aimed at enhancing math problem-solving skills for students in grades 4-12. Founded in 2012 and incubated by PayPal, CueThink's platform allows students to develop systematic problem-solving abilities, improve their math language, and engage in collaborative learning by sharing strategies with peers. Teachers benefit from analytics on student growth and can align their instruction with Common Core standards, while parents can monitor their children's progress through portfolios showcasing strategies and feedback. The company's offerings include Quantum, an iPad application designed for grades 4-8, which supports the growing trend of one-to-one technology in classrooms. CueThink's innovative approach addresses the need for deeper learning in mathematics, leveraging students' familiarity with social media and gaming to create an engaging educational experience. The development of its platform was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, and it has been successfully piloted in various classrooms.

Teachley

Grant in 2015
Teachley, LLC is an educational technology company based in New York that specializes in developing math applications grounded in cognitive science research. The company's offerings include Addimal Adventure, an iPad app designed for students in grades K-2 that focuses on single-digit addition, and Mt. Multiplis, which teaches complex multiplication strategies to students in grades three to five. In addition to its educational applications, Teachley provides Teachley Analytics, a tool that helps schools assess student progress against Common Core standards, identify at-risk students, and customize classroom instruction. By focusing on foundational math concepts, Teachley aims to enhance students' conceptual understanding, fluency, and problem-solving skills, thereby promoting overall student achievement.

CueThink

Grant in 2014
CueThink Inc. is a Boston-based company that provides a peer-to-peer mobile learning platform aimed at enhancing math problem-solving skills for students in grades 4-12. Founded in 2012 and incubated by PayPal, CueThink's platform allows students to develop systematic problem-solving abilities, improve their math language, and engage in collaborative learning by sharing strategies with peers. Teachers benefit from analytics on student growth and can align their instruction with Common Core standards, while parents can monitor their children's progress through portfolios showcasing strategies and feedback. The company's offerings include Quantum, an iPad application designed for grades 4-8, which supports the growing trend of one-to-one technology in classrooms. CueThink's innovative approach addresses the need for deeper learning in mathematics, leveraging students' familiarity with social media and gaming to create an engaging educational experience. The development of its platform was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, and it has been successfully piloted in various classrooms.

CueThink

Grant in 2013
CueThink Inc. is a Boston-based company that provides a peer-to-peer mobile learning platform aimed at enhancing math problem-solving skills for students in grades 4-12. Founded in 2012 and incubated by PayPal, CueThink's platform allows students to develop systematic problem-solving abilities, improve their math language, and engage in collaborative learning by sharing strategies with peers. Teachers benefit from analytics on student growth and can align their instruction with Common Core standards, while parents can monitor their children's progress through portfolios showcasing strategies and feedback. The company's offerings include Quantum, an iPad application designed for grades 4-8, which supports the growing trend of one-to-one technology in classrooms. CueThink's innovative approach addresses the need for deeper learning in mathematics, leveraging students' familiarity with social media and gaming to create an engaging educational experience. The development of its platform was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, and it has been successfully piloted in various classrooms.

Ruckus Media Group

Grant in 2012
At Ruckus Media, they are reinventing family entertainment—and taking it on the road—with original apps for iPad, iPhone, Droid, and other mobile media platforms. They bring Jon Scieszka, Rosemary Wells, Andrew Clements, Patricia MacLachlan, Alan Katz, David Carter, Kevin Lewis, Mike Austin, and Caitlin Friedman, among many other bestselling authors and illustrators, animators, celebrity performers and musicians together with talented editors and software developers to create a completely new form of storytelling. When children open Ruckus apps, turning and tilting pages, touching words and art, they read, see, and enter a story. Words, pictures, music, and dynamics made possible only by touch screen technology are woven to tell original stories to entrance and expand their imaginations. As with their favorite picture books, children will be enriched by and return to Ruckus apps again and again.
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