Step-by-step process for getting an NSF grant

Many startups and small businesses that received NSF grants have high-risk technologies and cutting-edge products and services that will improve quality of life and contribute to the nation's economy and security.

To get started, we'll walk you through our eligibility, process and timeline for applying for an NSF grant including determining if your project is a good fit for NSF funding, how to submit a Project Pitch and what to expect along the way.

Eligibility

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 PI 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.

For more detailed information, check out the Eligibility Guide.

Process Overview

1

Take the Project Pitch Assessment

2

Submit a Project Pitch

(Required)

Submit your Project Pitch anytime. Hear back in about 1 month.

3

Submit a Proposal

(Required)

Review solicitations

Register your company

Submit your proposal

If you are invited to submit a proposal, complete these steps. We offer multiple submission deadlines, but proposals can be submitted anytime.

4

Proposal Review & Decision

About 6 months after you submit, you’ll be notified about funding.