NSF America’s Seed Fund
This grant is provided by National Science Foundation
Grant Amount
Up to $2MOpen date
January 3, 2025Grant Frequency
Proposals accepted year round
About This Grant
Non-dilutive federal R&D funding for US-based startups developing high‑risk, high‑impact deep‑tech with strong commercial potential. Process begins with a short Project Pitch, then (if invited) a full proposal.
Up to ~$2M across phases:
- Phase I: up to $305K over 6–18 months.
- Phase II: up to $1.25M over ~24 months, with potential supplements >$500K.
How You Can Use the Funds
- Allowable R&D costs: employee salaries and fringe, materials and supplies, consultants/subawards, travel as permitted, etc., following 2 CFR 200 and NSF PAPPG.
- Generally not covered: marketing/business development, routine furniture/equipment as direct costs, most IP expenses (agency‑specific), charitable contributions, alcohol; agencies set additional limits.
Documents Required
- Take the pitch assessment.
- Project Pitch: submit online via NSF SBIR site (short form to assess fit).
- If invited to full proposal (Phase I): follow the current solicitation; register company (e.g., SAM/UEI) and submit proposal via Research.gov with technical plan, budget, biosketches, and required forms per solicitation. Timeline: decision ~6 months after submission.
- Phase II (for recent Phase I awardees): commercialization plan; Phase I technical narrative/final or interim report; biosketches; current & pending support; COA; synergistic activities; three Letters of Support; project schedule; submit via Research.gov.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. small business (<500 employees), ≥50% U.S. citizen/permanent resident ownership.
- All funded work performed in the U.S.
- PI employed by the company ≥20 hrs/week and commits ≥1 month per 6 months of project duration.
- Majority VC/PE/HF‑owned firms are not eligible (exceptions via STTR/SBIR structure not as majority‑owned).