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Recurring federal SBIR program. Multiple windows per year via Project Pitch process. Subscribe to NSF Seed Fund email list for upcoming deadlines.
America's Seed Fund (NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I) is sponsored by National Science Foundation. This federal program supports U.S.-based small businesses with fewer than 500 employees that are developing unproven, high-impact technology innovations, including AI hardware and deep-learning AI programs. Appropriate AI categories include cognitive science, sustainability, computer-vision, language-based, and conversational technologies.
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For applicants | NSF SBIR Check recent critical alerts! (Last updated 12/22/2025) NSF has temporarily paused the submission of new Project Pitches to the SBIR/STTR programs due to the lapse in congressional authorization. Program Directors will continue to process Project Pitches that were previously received.
Please direct any questions to sbir@nsf. gov . If you’re interested in applying for funding, we encourage you to watch our videos, join us at an event, or reach out directly to our program directors to learn more about the program and what we hope to see in your proposal.
Thinking of applying for Phase I funding? Check out our video covering program basics. tips and tricks for submitting a proposal .
PDF version of program basics , too.) --> See videos about our program and the startups we fund . Wondering if your idea is a good fit?
The first step in the process is to submit your written Project Pitch . Startups or entrepreneurs who submit a Project Pitch will learn if they meet the program’s objectives and be invited to submit a full proposal. Once you’ve received an invitation to submit a proposal (via the Project Pitch process), we encourage you to dig into the following resources to support you as you create your SBIR/STTR proposal.
Have lingering questions? Visit our FAQ , which covers the pre-application process to post-award reporting (and everything in between). Proposal submission guide Before you start your proposal, take a look at our proposal submission guide .
Read the Merit Review Guidelines to determine if your proposal fits the merit review or broader impacts criteria that we use to make funding decisions. To safeguard the integrity of the development and evaluation of proposals in the merit review process, we encourage you to also view the Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Systems Memo that establishes guidelines for its use by reviewers and proposers. Are you a Phase I awardee?
Visit How to Apply for Phase II .
Key questions and narrative sections extracted from the solicitation.
Project Pitch (written submission)
Full Proposal (by invitation only)
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: U.S.-based small businesses with fewer than 500 employees focused on high-tech scientific or engineering innovation. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Up to $305,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is March 11, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Education & Human Resources (IUSE: EHR) Program is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This program promotes novel, creative, and transformative approaches to generating and using new knowledge about STEM teaching and learning to improve STEM education for undergraduate students. It supports projects that bring recent advances in STEM knowledge into undergraduate education, adapt, improve, and incorporate evidence-based practices, and lay the groundwork for institutional improvement in STEM education. Professional development for instructors to ensure adoption of new and effective pedagogical techniques is a potential topic of interest.
Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) Program is sponsored by National Science Foundation. The IGE program encourages the development and implementation of bold, new, and potentially transformative approaches to STEM graduate education training. It seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students to develop skills, knowledge, and competencies needed for a range of STEM careers.
Fire Science Innovations through Research and Education (FIRE) program is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This program invites innovative multidisciplinary and multisector investigations focused on convergent research and education activities in wildland fire. It supports research that can inform risk management and response, adaptation, and resilience across infrastructures, communities, cultures, and natural environments. Relevant topics include developing novel materials and methods for retrofitting existing buildings and remediating buildings following wildfire and smoke events.
America's Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR) - Cybersecurity and Authentication is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Supports startups and small businesses to translate research into products and services, including cybersecurity and authentication, to secure national defense and protect the public. Includes research requiring privacy and security-preserving resources for artificial intelligence.
America's Seed Fund NSF SBIR Phase I is a grant from the National Science Foundation that provides non-dilutive seed capital of up to ,000 to early-stage startups for research and development of deep technologies based on discoveries in fundamental science and engineering. Since 1977, the program has funded approximately 400 companies per year across nearly all technology areas and markets, including artificial intelligence, energy, medical devices, robotics, and semiconductors. NSF takes no equity in funded companies, allowing founders to retain full control over their team, direction, and intellectual property. Applications are evaluated based on technological innovativeness, commercial potential, and possible societal impact. Eligibility is limited to for-profit U.S. small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The program encourages participation from first-time entrepreneurs across all 50 states and U.S. territories.