Emerging Technologies Topic – NSF SBIR is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). Supports startups working on transformative innovations in areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Emerging Technologies – Apply Today | NSF SBIR For proposal preparation and submission instructions, click here . The SBIR/STTR program looks forward to receiving the submission of new Project Pitches in response to the new solicitations beginning on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Please direct any questions to sbir@nsf.

gov . Emerging Technologies (EM) SynTouch LLC BioTac Toccare provides tactile evaluations that are consistent, quantifiable, and reflective of human perceptions. Emerging Technologies (EM) Breakthroughs at the edge of science and engineering are reshaping industries, redefining human capabilities, and creating new market spaces.

The Emerging Technologies topic within the NSF Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer program is designed for startups working on transformative innovations that defy conventional classifications — pioneering discoveries that could set the stage for the next technological revolution. This topic is for radical, high-risk ideas that leverage deep science and engineering to push beyond existing limitations.

Proposals should introduce disruptive, category-defining solutions that may not fit within traditional NSF topic areas but have the potential to create entirely new industries or fundamentally alter how we interact with the world.

Examples include, but are not limited to: Post-Silicon Computation & Intelligent Systems: Quantum logic, molecular computing or bio-inspired artificial intelligence architectures Matter & Machines at the Extreme: Self-assembling nanostructures, programmable materials, or biohybrid robotic systems that blur the lines between biology and engineering Living Technologies & Engineered Evolution: Synthetic biology innovations that harness evolution to create self-improving therapeutics, biocomputers, or sustainable biomaterials Radical Energy & Resilient Earth Innovations: Zero-point energy exploration, deep-space resource utilization, or engineered photosynthesis for planetary-scale impact Cognition & Human Augmentation: Direct brain-machine integration, digital telepathy, or neuroplasticity-enhancing interfaces that redefine intelligence Unconventional Sensing & Interaction: Quantum sensors, femtosecond imaging, or technologies enabling new dimensions of perception If your startup is pioneering a new technological paradigm, building something that did not exist before, and pushing the limits of what's possible, the Emerging Technologies topic is your opportunity to secure early-stage funding for world-changing innovation.

EM1. Emerging Technologies Application process for Emerging Technologies (EM) funding Eligibility for Emerging Technologies (EM) funding + Your company must be a small business (fewer than 500 employees) located in the United States. At least 50% of your company’s equity must be owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

NSF does not fund companies that are majority-owned by multiple venture capital firms, private equity firms, or hedge funds, to participate in SBIR and STTR. All funded work, including work done by consultants and contractors, needs to take place in the United States. The project’s principal investigator (tech lead) must be legally employed at least 20 hours a week by the company seeking funding.

The principal investigator doesn’t need any advanced degrees. The principal investigator needs to commit to at least one month (173 hours) of work on a funded project per six months of project duration. Evaluation Criteria: What We Look for When Evaluating Emerging Technologies (EM) proposals + Take our project assessment to see if your work might be a good fit for NSF funding.

We invest up to $2 million in seed funding and take zero equity. We’re looking for companies that are transformative, high-risk, have a market pull, and are scaleable.