Portfolio
NSF-funded startups and small businesses saw around 200 exits and more than $14 billion in private investments during fiscal years 2016 to 2021. *
We fund almost all areas of technology
Between fiscal years 2016 and 2020, America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF made 2,200+ awards to startups and small businesses. Each year, we fund roughly 400 companies across nearly all technology areas and market sectors (with the exception of clinical trials and schedule I controlled substances). Select a topic area below to read more about the topic, see featured Phase I and Phase II success stories, and find program director information.
Browse lists of our active Phase I and Phase II awardees, who are still completing the research outlined in their proposals, view a list of awards to combat COVID-19, and see all of the awards we've made over the last 10 years.
ACTIVE PHASE I AWARDEES ACTIVE PHASE II AWARDEES COVID-19 RELATED AWARDS VIEW ALL AWARDEES
Download a searchable PDF of the full list of technology topic areas that also includes descriptions of the subtopics.
Featured Companies
We’re not interested in innovation for innovation’s sake — we back technologies that promote the social good. View a few of our many success stories.
New engine tech allows diesel engines to run on any fuel
Engineering bacteria to treat skin disease
Squishy Robotics’ shape-shifting robots provide real-time data in disasters
More
(*These figures were pulled from Pitchbook from 10/01/2015 to 09/30/2021
and include companies that received NSF funding prior to 2016.)