"The grants we received from NSF were instrumental in building the first version of our product and acquiring our first customers. When we received our Phase I funding in 2010 we were two founders. As of 2022, our team within Cisco has grown to 700 employees and growing."
Mohit Lad CEO, ThousandEyes, acquired by Cisco for $1 billion, according to CNBC (NSF-1058602)
We invest up to
$2 million in
seed funding.
And take zero equity.
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Seed capital for early stage product development
We offer funding for early stage R&D and take no equity in your company — you retain full control over your team, the direction of your work, and your intellectual property.
Find us at dozens of annual events
Join our regular webinars or find NSF staff and program directors at events like conferences, SBIR road tours, and more.
A diverse portfolio
We fund startups across nearly all technology areas and markets like artificial intelligence, energy, medical devices, robotics, semiconductors, and many more.
We support research and development of deep technologies - those that are based on discoveries in fundamental science and engineering. As we review applications, we consider your technology’s innovativeness, commercial potential, and possible societal impact. View current awardees
America's Seed Fund
National Science Foundation
SBIR | STTR
Photo Credit: Cyclopure | Cyclopure CP analytical chemists can measure DEXSORB@ efficiency at 1-2 part per trillion concentration
We are America's Seed Fund
Since 1977, America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF (also known as the NSF SBIR/STTR program) has helped startups develop their ideas and bring them to market. We funded about 400 companies each year.
We embrace diversity
Our program fosters and encourages participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by women and people of color as well as first-time entrepreneurs from all 50 states and U.S. territories.