Forbes 30 Under 30 List

Forbes “30 Under 30 List for 2026” highlights several NSF funded startups that are creating the next generation of technologies and shaping the future of science and innovation.

From building a tiny yet powerful titanium-sapphire laser that drives advances in quantum, biomedical and manufacturing applications to creating a diagnostic platform that detects bacterial infections in under an hour, these young entrepreneurs are transforming bold ideas into innovations that reshape industries and improve lives. Read article via Forbes.

NSF-supported startups that made the 2026 list include:

Energy:
Vesta (NSF-2246965)
Quantum Formatics (NSF-2528312)
rStream (NSF-2423645)
Capacitech Energy (NSF-2139803)

Manufacturing & Industry:
Reef Arches (NSF-2528131)
MacroCycle Technologies (NSF-2507694)
Soarce (NSF-2409680)
Brightlight Photonics (NSF-2432932)

Health care:
Astek Diagnostics (NSF-2423587)
Illuminant Surgical (NSF-2507300)

Social Impact:
Refiberd (NSF-2423377)

Transportation & Aerospace:
Flux Marine (NSF-2036072)
Distributed Spectrum (NSF-2112062)
HyperKelp (NSF-2345775)

Science:
RebornC (NSF-2423301)