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Learning and Cognition Technologies (LC) SBIR/STTR is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This program supports entrepreneurs and startups developing innovative technologies that disrupt educational norms, challenge conventional methods of content delivery, and foster workforce development with measurable results, firmly anchored in foundational research.
Technologies applying AI in education or workforce development, training tools, and upskilling an aging workforce are included.
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Learning and Cognition Technologies Grant – Apply Today | NSF SBIR Check recent critical alerts! (Last updated 4/16/2026) NSF will resume the submission of new Project Pitches to the SBIR/STTR programs in the coming weeks. Program Directors will continue to process Project Pitches that were previously received.
Please direct any questions to sbir@nsf. gov . Learning and Cognition Technologies (LC) Showcasing IOTAS ’s’ Home app, featuring a unique floor plan view and Smart Stories™.
Learning and Cognition Technologies (LC) The Learning and Cognitions Technologies topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel innovations which disrupt educational norms, challenge conventional methods of content delivery and workforce development with measurable results while remaining firmly anchored in foundational research.
They equip individuals for success in emerging industries and undefined roles, bridging the gap between established curricula and the swiftly evolving knowledge landscape.
Technologies in this portfolio include those applying AI in education or workforce development, training tools, upskilling an aging workforce, improving health and wellbeing, as well as technologies as an enabling platform to deliver innovative approaches to learning and cognition development which leverage groundbreaking technological advancements rooted in research.
Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review. LC1.
Advanced Learning Technologies LC2. Workforce Development and Upskilling LC3. Advanced Analytics for Learning and Cognition LC4.
Innovative Approaches to Multimodal Learning LC5. Other Learning and Cognition Technologies Application process for Learning and Cognition Technologies (LC) funding Eligibility for Learning and Cognition Technologies (LC) 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 Learning and Cognition Technologies (LC) proposals + Take our project assessment to see if your work might be a good fit for NSF funding.
Immersive STEM Learning Platform Prisms of Reality is using an immersive educational software in virtual reality to demonstrate how multimodal and game-driven learning can be used to enhance math proficiencies, problem solving, and the ability to transfer mathematical knowledge across contexts. To learn more visit: https://www. prismsvr.
com Learning math using music and psychology Muzology is developing a learning platform to help students learn math. Grounded in psychology, Muzology’s platform helps students learn algebra concepts with music. To learn more visit: https://www.
muzology. com/ 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.
Key questions and narrative sections extracted from the solicitation.
Project description (10–15 pages addressing innovation, technical approach, and R&D plan)
Commercialization strategy
Scoring criteria used to review proposals for this grant.
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Startups and entrepreneurs in the US developing innovative learning and cognition technologies. Companies must not be majority-owned by multiple venture capital firms, private equity firms, or hedge funds. All funded work must take place in the United States, and the principal investigator must be legally employed by the company for at least 20 hours a week. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Not specified (grant funding for startups) Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is April 16, 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.
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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.
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