NSF SBIR/STTR - Digital Health

NSF SBIR/STTR - Digital Health is sponsored by National Science Foundation. Funds innovative digital health technologies, explicitly including AI applications in healthcare, drug discovery, medical diagnostics, personalized medicine, clinical decision support, and smart medical devices.

NSF SBIR 2026: Funding Amounts, Deadlines & Startup Eligibility Guide — BW&CO National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research Program (NSF SBIR/STTR) Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

The NSF SBIR/STTR program provides non-dilutive funding to U.S.-based startups and small businesses developing high-risk, high-impact technologies with strong commercial potential. NSF states it funds “nearly everything from biotechnology to wireless communications to quantum to semiconductors. ” Companies begin by submitting a required Project Pitch to determine fit with the program before being invited to submit a full proposal.

The NSF 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. Full proposal submission deadlines are: Proposal submission is due by 5:00 PM submitter’s time on the specified due date.

NSF emphasizes that the program is intended for technologies requiring substantial high-risk R&D and not “straightforward engineering or incremental product development tasks. ” The process is highly competitive, with historical NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I funding rates between 10% and 20%. How much funding would I receive?

If your proposal is awarded, NSF states you may receive: Up to $305,000 for a Phase I award. Up to $1,250,000 over two years for a Phase II award. The solicitation materials provided do not specify award minimums, matching requirements, or the number of anticipated awards.

What could I use the funding for?

NSF states funding is intended for: High-risk research and development Foundational science and engineering innovations New products, services, and scalable solutions Technologies with strong commercial potential and societal impact The program specifically supports technologies that: Require substantial technical innovation Address significant societal or national problems Create sustainable competitive advantages Demonstrate meaningful market pull and scalability NSF explicitly states it does not fund: Straightforward engineering Incremental product development tasks Advanced Manufacturing (M) The Advanced Manufacturing topic aims to support emerging innovations in manufacturing with the potential to stimulate the nation’s manufacturing sector by improving efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability.

Proposals should be driven by a foundational technology that significantly advances the way products are made. This can include, but is not exclusive to, technologies in new manufacturing processes, equipment, automation, modeling, and materials/minerals. M1.

Building and Infrastructure M4. Distributed Manufacturing M6. Modeling and Simulation M7.

Natural Resources and Critical Minerals M8. Quantum Device Manufacturing M9. Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing M10.

Other Manufacturing Technologies The Advanced Materials topic addresses the development of new and improved materials for a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. Proposals may focus on the creation of innovative material systems and/or on critical fabrication, processing or manufacturing challenges involved in the successful demonstration and commercialization of novel advanced materials.

A broad range of applications areas will be considered as part of this topic. AM1. Advanced Engineering Materials AM2.

Coatings and Surface Modifications AM4. Novel Advanced Materials-based Sensors AM5. Structural and Infrastructural Materials AM6.

Other Advanced Materials Technologies Advanced Systems for Scalable Analytics (AA) The Advanced Systems for Scalable Analytics topic focuses on innovations needed for building systems that organize and process large and ever-increasing volumes of structured, semi-structured and unstructured data to reveal actionable new insights. It also includes innovative knowledge management and data mining technologies that complement deep learning.

Sample topics include data and knowledge management technologies for data acquisition, integration, annotation, governance and provenance; hardware and software for addressing the performance needs of analytical systems; technologies for continual learning in dynamic environments; technologies in data mining, visualization and optimization; and marketplaces for data and models. These subtopics are only meant to serve as examples.

All proposals focused on the development of a new high-risk technical innovation and significant potential commercial and societal impact are welcome to apply, regardless of subtopic. AA1. Building Analytical System for Learning from Dynamic Environments AA2.

Data Mining, Machine Learning (Non-deep learning-based), and Reinforcement Learning AA3. Decision Support and Optimization AA4. Knowledge and Data Management Technologies AA5.

Marketplaces for Data and Models AA6. Novel Visualization Technologies AA7. Software Technologies for Scalable Analytical Systems AA8.

Other Novel Technologies Agricultural Technologies (AG) The Agricultural Technologies topic supports innovations enabling farm production ecosystems that support the proper utilization of natural resources. Such technologies may encompass systems-level and multidisciplinary solutions to enable complex agricultural practices that support increased biodiversity balanced with yield production. AG2.

Expanding Access to Farming AG3. Food Waste Mitigation AG4. Harvesting Complex Systems AG5.

Improved Resilience through Interspecies Interchange AG6. Nature-based Solutions AG8. Precision Agriculture AG9.

Resilient Supply & Distribution AG10. Other Agricultural Technologies Artificial Intelligence (AI) The Artificial Intelligence topic focuses on cutting-edge technologies in the field of deep learning-based AI systems and AI-based hardware.

The recent successes in computer vision, machine translation, natural-language processing and speech recognition have led to widespread use of learning-based systems in production and an unprecedented growth in AI systems that interact frequently with and/or on behalf of humans in highly personalized contexts.

This topic especially emphasizes next-generation AI technologies that are not only safe and reliable but also fair, robust against sophisticated adversaries, privacy preserving, and efficient in terms of computational resources, energy, training data size, etc. It also includes cutting-edge hardware technologies needed for sustainable AI (i.e., novel devices and architectures to support the tremendous processing power needed by AI technologies), edge devices (i.e., intelligent systems on a chip for applications such as voice assistants) and AI technologies that lead to better hardware systems.

These subtopics are only meant to serve as examples. All proposals that are focused on developing a new high-risk technical innovation and that have significant potential commercial and societal impact are welcome to apply, regardless of subtopic. AI1.

Cognitive Science-based Technologies AI2. Computer Vision Based AI Technologies AI3. Conversational AI Technologies AI4.

Language-Based AI Technologies AI5. Novel AI Hardware Technologies (e.g. Neuromorphic Computing, High-performance Technologies for AI, Smart and Secure Edge Devices, etc.) AI6. Sustainable AI Technologies for Low Resource Environments AI7.

Technologies for Trustworthy AI (safe, fair, transparent, privacy-preserving, explainable, and/or secure) AI8.

Other Novel Technologies Augmented Virtual and Mixed Reality (AV/VR/MR) The Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality (AR/VR/MR) topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel hardware/software that can create shared experiences to translate research-based insights into commercializable opportunities for scalable, real-world application.

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 shared experiences, virtual collaboration, and experiential learning. AV1. Differentiated Hardware Technologies for AR/VR/MR AV2.

Differentiated Software Technologies for AR/VR/MR AV3. UI/UX for Immersive AR/VR/MR AV4. Advanced Analytics for Collaboration in AR/VR/MR AV5.

Other Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality Technologies Biological Technologies (BT) The Biological Technologies topic covers a wide range of technology areas to advance engineering and science innovation across the biological spectrum. Biological technologies have disrupted decades-old chemical, agricultural and medical products and services, producing a new bioeconomy.

Potential breakthroughs in this space are on course to make major socioeconomic contributions by boosting productivity in industrial and agricultural processes, improving human health, and making advances toward environmental sustainability. Proposed projects should be focused on using or modifying living organisms, systems or biological processes to develop new technologies to produce biochemicals and medical and agricultural products.

They may involve bioengineering to improve function in molecules, cells and tissues in humans, plants, animals and microbes.

NSF also encourages proposals for enabling new technologies, such as new tools for genomics, proteomics and drug discovery; instruments for biological applications; computational and bioinformatic tools; and new manufacturing technologies for cells, tissues, organs and biologics (with the exception of clinical trials and schedule I substances).

Subtopics are not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy or safety studies, the development pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates or medical devices, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. 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. BT1. Animal Biotechnology BT3.

Bio-Inspired Technologies BT4. Bioinstruments and Biosensors BT5. Cell and Tissue Engineering BT7.

Life Science Research Tools BT8. Microbiome and Microbial Diversity BT10. Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering BT11.

Other Biological Technologies Biomedical Technologies (BM) The Biomedical Technologies topic aims to support the early-stage development of novel products, processes or services that will enable the delivery of high-quality, economically efficient healthcare.

Subtopics are not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy or safety studies, the development pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates or medical devices, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. 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. BM2. Drug Delivery Methods BM3.

Materials for Biomedical Applications BM6.

Other Biomedical Technologies Chemical Technologies (CT) The Chemical Technologies topic covers a wide range of technology areas of current and emerging commercial significance to many areas, including the broad chemical industry; food processing and technology; agrochemicals; chemical alternatives and organics; green chemicals; water treatment and separations; advanced catalysts and materials; and biochemicals.

Sensing, data and advanced analytics technologies relevant to these fields are also appropriate for this topic area. Beyond improvement on technical specifications, it is important to also clearly identify the competitive landscape of what is currently possible and why the proposed innovation will have an impact commercially and/or from a societal benefit standpoint. CT2.

Catalysts, Advanced Chemicals and Materials CT3. Chemical and Environmental Sensing and Data CT4. Food Processing, Chemicals and Agriculture CT5.

Green Chemicals and Chemical Alternatives CT6. Separations and Water Treatment CT7. Other Chemical Technologies Cloud and High-Performance Computing (CH) The Cloud and High-Performance Computing (HPC) topic focuses on innovations that result in substantial improvements to cloud computing or high-performance computing platforms.

These improvements may be to computing power and efficiency, energy management, data storage, latency, data integrity and availability, cost, or any other factor of importance in such platforms, and may result from software- or hardware-based innovations.

These subtopic areas are meant to serve as examples; all proposals with technical innovation and significant commercial potential are welcome, regardless of the specific area of focus of the project. CH1. Algorithms and Applications CH2.

Computational Architecture CH3. Convergence of AI and Cloud/HPC CH5. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability CH6.

In-memory Processing CH9. Performance Monitoring CH10. Processing on Encrypted Data CH11.

Processor Architecture and Design CH12. Resilience and Resource Management CH13. Other Cloud and High-Performance Computing Technologies Cybersecurity and Authentication (CA) The Cybersecurity and Authentication topic focuses on innovations related to the security and integrity of data and data processing and the authentication of people and devices.

These subtopic areas are meant to serve as examples; all proposals with technical innovation and significant commercial potential are welcome, regardless of the specific area of focus of the project. CA1. Computation on Encrypted Data CA2.

Cryptography, including Post-quantum Cryptography CA3. Data Privacy and Integrity CA4. Device Authentication CA6.

Encryption, including Homomorphic Encryption CA7. Network and Device Security CA8. Personal Authentication CA9.

Secure and Trusted Computing CA10. Secure Machine-to-Machine Communication CA11. Security of Cloud and High Performance Computing (HPC) Platforms CA12.

Other Cybersecurity and Authentication Technologies The Digital Health topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest-stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel technologies that aim to improve physical or mental wellbeing or health, enable or assist individuals to increase or regain independence and quality of life and improve the delivery of healthcare including efficiency, reducing cost or improving outcomes.

Technologies in this portfolio include those applying AI in healthcare or general wellness (medical image analysis, personalized medicine, EHR/EMR, Clinical decision support, Computer aided diagnostics, support or therapy, smart/connected medical devices) as well as technologies that enable or provide assistance to aging or disabled populations and individuals undergoing rehabilitation. DH1.

Assistive, Enabling and Rehabilitative technologies DH2. AI in healthcare and drug discovery DH3. Healthcare Workflow, Economics and Delivery DH4.

Medical Diagnostics and Devices DH5. Physical, Mental and Behavioral Health DH6. Other Digital Health Technologies 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 Environmental Technologies (ET) Environmental Technologies covers a variety of areas of current and emerging commercial significance including environmental sensing, data, and advanced analytics. Please highlight any aspects of the proposed technology or approach that address a problem without a current solution, or one which is underdeveloped.

ET1. Conservation, Adaptation and Restoration ET2. Digital Ecosystem for the Environment ET3.

Emission or Waste Reduction and the Circular Economy ET4. Food, Regenerative Agriculture, and Energy ET7. Sustainable Community Systems ET8.

Water Treatment, Resilience, and Sanitation ET9.

Other Environmental Technologies Human-Computer Interaction (HC) The Human-Computer Interaction (HC) topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel HCI in the context of domains, such as health, education, families, or work to design new computing systems to amplify humans’ physical, cognitive, and social capabilities which translate research-based insights into commercializable opportunities for scalable, real-world application.

Technologies in this portfolio include multimedia and multimodal interfaces, such as haptic, tangible, gestural, spatial, and wearable; brain-computer interfaces; intelligent and interactive user interfaces; affective computing; human state estimation involving interaction; and methods for interaction with artificial intelligence.

This topic includes commercialization of computational methods and systems for creating and authoring video, audio, textual, visual, and multimedia forms in support of creative expression and ideation and includes technology-supported human-to-human communication and systems which foster innovation and dismantle barriers to scientific progress in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the development of information, interaction, networks, systems, and other forms of computation in response to human needs, desires, and intentions.

HC1. Multimedia and Multimodal Interfaces HC2. HC Computational Methods and Systems HC3.

Smart Integrated Systems HC4. Human-to-Human Communication Systems via Technology HC5. Other Human-Computer Interaction Technologies Instrumentation and Hardware Systems (IH) The Instrumentation and Hardware Systems topic addresses the research and development of new and improved instrumentation and related systems for a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications.

Proposals in this topic may deal with new instruments for use in scientific, industrial, engineering or manufacturing environments, among others. Systems and tools designed for the purposes of detection, manipulation, characterization, measurement, processing, control or monitoring will be considered. A wide variety of applications areas will be considered as part of this topic.

IH1. Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Actuation, Control, and Manipulation IH2. Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Detection and Characterization IH3.

Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Imaging IH4. Other Instrumentation or Hardware Systems Technologies The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly evolving field that involves the interconnection and interaction of smart objects (objects or devices with embedded sensors, onboard data processing capability, and a means of communication) to provide automated services that would otherwise not be possible.

IoT is not a single technology, but rather involves the convergence of sensor, actuator, information and communication technologies. Emerging IoT implementations will use smaller and more energy-efficient embedded sensor technologies, more sophisticated actuators, enhanced communications and advanced data analytics to collect and aggregate information.

These new tools will enable intelligent systems that understand context, track and manage complex interactions and anticipate requirements. Market verticals that are potentially impacted by innovations in this area include connected cities and homes, smart transportation, smart agriculture, industrial IoT, and retail IoT. I2.

IoT Integrated Systems I3. IoT Sensors and Actuators I5.

Other IoT Technologies 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 The Medical Devices topic aims to develop novel medical device platforms, introduce innovative medical technologies or translate emerging scientific principles into health practice. Proposals should be considered leading edge innovations, typically based on a discovery, new approach or new scientific principle to medical devices or technologies.

Limited human subject clinical studies may be acceptable if they are performed in support of feasibility or proof-of-concept objectives. The program does not support proposals to conduct clinical trials for sample size calculations, statistically demonstrate safety or efficacy or the development of pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates.

Clinical work performed primarily for regulatory purposes or post market surveillance are also not allowed. Proposals requesting support for clinical trials are noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitation and returned without review . MD1.

Diagnostic Imaging or Monitoring MD2. General Medical Devices MD4. Manufacturing Processes or Prototyping Methods MD5.

Materials (non biological) MD6. Procedural Technologies or Visualization The Mobility topic encourages novel innovations in the land, air, and sea-based movement of goods and people that improve sustainability and resiliency. Proposals responsive to this topic may include technical breakthroughs that address infrastructure and flow issues in global, urban and rural environments.

Interdisciplinary and collaborative innovations to address multiple mobility grand challenges are welcome. All proposed innovations must be capable of a sustainable business model. MO1.

Traffic Congestion and Routing MO2. Safety and Navigation MO5. Supply Chain Transparency and Security MO8.

Other Mobility Topics The Nanotechnology topic addresses the creation and manipulation of functional materials, devices and systems with novel properties that are achieved through the control of matter at a submicroscopic scale (from a fraction of nanometer to about 100 nanometers).

This includes, but is not limited to, innovative hierarchical nanostructures, nanolayered structures, nanowires, nanotubes, quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanofibers and other nanomaterials and biomaterials and their composite structures.

For projects that do not seem to fit into one of the other technology topic areas, but still meet the NSF SBIR/STTR goals of supporting research and development of deep technology with commercial viability and the potential to benefit society, please pick Other Topics and subtopic OT1.

Project pitches and proposals submitted to Other Topics are typically transferred and reviewed in the topic area that best matches the underlying technical innovation. The program does not reject Project Pitches or proposals based on a non-ideal choice of topic areas.

The program routinely moves Project Pitches or proposals internally among topic areas that seem to best describe the underlying technical innovation and to ensure the right program officer and reviewer panel sees the project.

Pharmaceutical Technologies (PT) The Pharmaceutical Technologies topic covers a wide range of technology areas that advance the discovery, formulation, and manufacture of novel drugs, moieties, compounds, products, processes, platforms or services that will improve the selection, quality or price of pharmaceutical and biologic therapies.

The Pharmaceutical Technologies topic is not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy and safety studies, the development of pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates, work on medical devices or schedule I substances, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes.

Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable if they are performed in support of feasibility, proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies and must follow NSF policies on research on human subjects . Proposals that request support for clinical studies are noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.

The NSF SBIR/STTR program no longer supports the development of specific therapeutic molecules. Drug Discovery and Manufacturing are still supported by the program. Subtopics are not aimed at supporting clinical trials, the clinical validation of information technologies, or medical devices or studies performed primarily for regulatory purposes.

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. PT2.

Pharmaceutical and Biologic Manufacturing PT3. Other Pharmaceutical Technologies The Photonics topic addresses the research and development of new materials, devices, components, and systems that have the potential for revolutionary change in the optics and photonics industries. Photonic technologies can include anything generally operating in or using photons in the electromagnetic spectrum, from gamma rays down to long radio waves.

Examples include lasers, various light emitting diode technologies (LED, OLED, QLED), radiation detectors, photonic integrated circuits, optical systems and novel communications technologies. PH1. Advanced Metrology and Sensors PH2.

Advanced Optical Components and Systems PH3. Communications, Information, and Data Storage PH4. Lighting and Displays PH6.

Photonic Energy Conversion PH8. Photonic Metamaterials and Plasmonics PH9. Quantum Optics and Nanophotonics PH10.

Silicon Photonics and Photonic Integrated Circuits PH11. Other Photonics Technologies The Power Management topic address the development of novel technologies that enable new power and thermal management solutions. Innovations supported could range from device-scale breakthroughs to embedded or standalone systems or grid-scale technologies.

PM1. Energy Harvesting Devices and Systems PM2. Materials and Devices for Power Electronics PM3.

Materials and Devices for Thermal Management PM4. Novel Power and Thermal Management Sensors PM5. Power Electronics Circuits and Control Systems PM6.

Power Management Infrastructure and Smart Grid Systems PM7. Systems for Thermal Management PM8. Other Power Management Technologies Quantum Information Technologies (QT) This topic focuses on innovations in information and communications technologies that rely fundamentally on quantum mechanical properties and interactions.

Typically, such innovations will involve the generation, detection, or manipulation of quantum states to provide faster, more efficient or more secure information processing and communications.

Proposals may include innovations at the component, sub-system or system level that result in substantial and usable improvements in the generation, transmission, detection, storage or processing of information, or the security and privacy of information.

Proposed innovations must offer the potential for robustness, reliability, scalability and operation at temperatures that are practical within the constraints of the intended application. Innovations at the component and sub-system level should aim for compactness and energy efficiency, consistent with the requirements of the application.

Examples of technology innovations in the quantum computing subtopic could include qubit generation and detection, development of computational models (quantum circuits, etc.), error correction, software, hardware sub-systems and systems and Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) computers.

Examples of technology innovations in the quantum communications subtopic could include components such as sources, memories, repeaters, detectors, hardware sub-systems and systems, networks, cryptography and key distribution. QT2. Quantum Communications QT4.

Quantum Sensing and Metrology QT6. Other Quantum Information Technologies The Robotics topic covers robot intelligence and experiential learning, particularly in the areas of high-performance processors or hardware that provides situational awareness and improved artificial intelligence. Innovations in voice, obstacle and image recognition, emotional response and hand-eye coordination are encouraged.

We encourage proposals describing projects that borrow features from other animal nervous systems and include biologists, neuroscientists and psychologists on their team to exploit new knowledge in the study of the brain and behavior.

NSF also seeks proposals that address next-generation automation; the flexible and rapid reconfiguration of assembly lines allowing mass customization; the use of advanced control, scheduling, modularization, and decentralization with agile, mobile robotic systems that can enable the cost-effective manufacture of small lot-size products; and on-demand parts manufacturing.

Proposals to support the physical and educational needs of individuals with disabilities (e.g., vision, hearing, cognitive, motor related) are sought. Robotic applications in healthcare, smart drones and drone networks are appropriate.

Medical devices focused on providing new capabilities to doctors including surgery; robotic exoskeletons to enhance human strength; personal robots with an emphasis on human-centered end use and interaction, personal caregiving and increased autonomy; future of work; flying taxis; reverse engineering the human brain; robot sense, motion, thought, and emotion; human-robot art; and robots of augmentation are welcome.

Subtopics are not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy or safety studies, the development pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates or medical devices, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. 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. R1. Human Assistive Technologies and Bio-related Robotics R2.

Human-Machine Interfaces and Control/Architecture R4. Robotics in Agile Manufacturing, and Co-Robots R5. Underground or Underwater Robotics for Low-Visibility, Poor-Connectivity or Hidden Topography R6.

Other Robotics Technologies The Semiconductors topic addresses the research and development of new designs, materials, devices and manufacturing systems that have the potential for impactful change in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry. S3. Integrated Circuit Design S4.

Microelectronics Packaging and Systems Integration S5. Novel Semiconductor-based Sensors S6. Processing and Metrology Technology S7.

Sustainable Semiconductor Manufacturing S8. Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Materials S9. Other Semiconductor Technologies The Space topic seeks transformative technologies to create solutions for sustainable space exploration, habitation or industrialization that could also have a positive impact on human lives.

Applicants should address known capability gaps for enabling technologies for the space or terrestrial industries.

Proposals in this area may focus upon launch vehicles or satellite and vehicle propulsion systems, in-space research or manufacturing systems and services, human sustainability, spaceflight or exploration infrastructure, data processing and communication technologies, orbital servicing, asteroid mining and microgravity applications. SP1. Launch vehicles and propulsion SP2.

Satellite technology SP3. Spaceflight infrastructure SP4. Data and communication SP5.

In space services and production SP6. Human viability and sustainability Wireless Technologies (W) The Wireless topic involves next-generation wireless communication technologies requiring systems with high data rates, low costs and that support a wide variety of applications and services while maintaining full mobility, minimum latency, and long battery life.

Devices and subsystems that increase data throughput rates via cell density; increased spectrum; multiple input, multiple output (MIMO); and new “antenna” concepts are encouraged.

NSF welcomes proposals involving modulation and demodulation techniques for signal generation and reception through spectral efficiency, noise immunity, jamming immunity, and power efficiency; radio frequency (RF) pollution: devices and circuits; processing algorithms/3D spatial control; and high efficiency devices such as micro-TWT (traveling-wave tube), smart dust and inductive couplers.

NSF seeks proposals in the areas of spectrum-related research and development activities that improve the efficiency by which the radio spectrum is used, and the ability of all members of the public to access spectrum-related services.

Mobile and automotive radar, smart solar panels, on-panel DC-AC converters, openRAN (Radio Access Networks)-related devices and applications and self-testing and self-networking devices are also of interest. W1. Communication and Networking Technologies W2.

Networked Sensors and Sensing W3. Wireless Devices and Components W5. Other Wireless Technologies Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Additional benefits described in the solicitation materials include: Access to external technical and commercialization reviewers Feedback from NSF experts and review panels Ability to apply for additional NSF funding after successful Phase I progress NSF also notes that access to most Phase I award funds occurs at the time of award notification. What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Application process timeline: Complete the Project Pitch Assessment Submit a required Project Pitch Receive a response from NSF in approximately 1–2 months If invited, submit a full proposal Undergo proposal review and due diligence Receive funding decision approximately 5–7 months after proposal submission deadline Full proposal submission deadlines are: Proposal submission is due by 5:00 PM submitter’s time on the specified due date.

Proposal review occurs approximately 1–3 months after submission Additional due diligence may occur approximately 3–5 months after submission Funding decisions occur approximately 5–7 months after submission Where does this funding come from?

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) The solicitation references: NSF 26-510: Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs SBIR/STTR: Developing Deep Technologies that Advance U.S. Competitiveness and Security NSF 26-511: Small Business Innovation Research / Small