NSF America's Seed Fund

Also called: America's Seed Fund powered by NSF, NSF SBIR/STTR, NSF SBIR

America's Seed Fund powered by NSF is the National Science Foundation's SBIR/STTR program, which gives startups and small businesses grants for technically risky research and development without taking equity.

NSF awards are grants and IP Rights Agreements, not loans, and NSF takes no equity. NSF does not solicit specific technologies or buy goods and services through the program.

Before a Phase I proposal you must submit a Project Pitch and receive an official invitation. NSF uses the pitch to check fit with the program: innovative technology with commercial or societal promise and a high level of technical risk.

The current solicitation, NSF 26-510, covers Phase I, Phase II and Fast-Track under the title "Developing Deep Technologies that Advance U.S. Competitiveness and Security." The program sits in NSF's Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP).