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NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II is sponsored by NASA. Supports early-stage studies into innovative technologies that could enable future space missions.
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The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program funds innovative aerospace concepts that could enable and transform future missions. Each year, NASA issues multiple NIAC solicitations and grant awards. Researchers across government, industry and academia with high impact ideas should consider submitting a proposal.
The NIAC program supports visionary research ideas through multiple progressive phases of study. Phase I studies are efforts up to 9 months to explore the overall viability and advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Eligible recipients of Phase I awards can propose for a follow-on Phase II study.
Phase II develops concepts for up to two years. Researchers must prepare a roadmap for further development, but are not expected to fully advance the technologies to a level required for NASA or commercial transition. Phase III continues the exploration and development for another two years.
The final phase is designed to strategically transition NIAC concepts with the highest potential impact for NASA, other government agencies or commercial partners. For complete information, guidelines and announcements regarding NIAC solicitations, visit the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) website: http://nspires. nasaprs.
com/ CURRENT & UPCOMING SOLICITATIONS 2026 Phase I Solicitation Proposal Status Notification: April 15, 2026 Selections Announced: June 2026 (planned) 2026 Phase II Solicitation Release: May 2026 (planned) Selections Announced: Fall 2026 (planned) 2027 Phase I Solicitation Release: August 2026 (planned) Selections Announced: Spring 2027 (planned) GENERAL TENTATIVE FUNDING & DATES $225,000 for a nine-month study 12 to 18 awards per year (planned) Step A Proposals Due: Early July Invitations Issued: Early August 2023 Step B Proposals Due: Early September Selections Announced: Early January $750,000 for a two-year study Six to eight awards per year (planned) Proposals Due: Mid-February Selections Announced: Early April $2 million for a two-year study One award per year (planned) Mandatory Preliminary Proposals Due: Early March Invitations to Submit a Full Proposal: Early April Think up an innovative concept that will change the way NASA does business; explain why NASA needs your concept.
Watch for the release of NIAC solicitations on NSPIRES . Pay extra attention to the proposal preparation instructions. Put your concept into a specific aerospace architecture, mission or system.
Envision Goddard, Modernizing for the Future We are modernizing Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and its six sites for the future. A comprehensive Facilities Master Plan is an essential element in developing a blueprint for the future of our Center. Envision Goddard, Modernizing for the Future We are modernizing Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and its six sites for the future.
A comprehensive Facilities Master Plan is an essential element in developing a blueprint for the future of our Center. Envision Goddard, Modernizing for the Future We are modernizing Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and its six sites for the future. A comprehensive Facilities Master Plan is an essential element in developing a blueprint for the future of our Center.
Discover More Topics From NIAC Space Technology Mission Directorate STMD Solicitations and Opportunities NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Open to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and entities organized in the U.S. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The published deadline was June 12, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II is funded by NASA. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
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