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Commercial opportunities

  1. Phase II Match Funding (Phase IIB)
    • Extends the R&D efforts beyond the current grant to further accelerate commercialization of the Phase II project
    • Max funding: $500,000 per award, 50% of investment funds not to exceed $500,000 from NSF
    • Requirements: 3rd party investment/commitment of at least $100k.
    • Deadline: Must begin process at least 30 days prior to Phase II award expiration.
    • More information
    • Proposal / Budget submission instructions
  2. Commercial / Strategic Partnerships (TECP)
    • Funding for additional research that goes beyond the Phase II project’s objectives to meet the technical specifications or additional proof-of-concept requirements. Additional research is anticipated to enhance the commercial potential and lead to partnerships with industrial partners and venture and angel investors.
    • Max funding: 20% of the Phase II award
    • Deadline: Within 18 months of the effective start date of Phase II award
    • More information
    • Proposal / Budget submission instructions
  3. Technical and Business Assistance (TABA)

    TABA supplemental funding enables the awardee business to secure the services of one or more third-party service providers that will assist with one or more of the following commercialization activities:

    • the identification and development of customers for the NSF-funded technology;
    • providing advice on financing strategy and fundraising from the private sector;
    • establishing strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders;
    • the evaluation and protection of intellectual property;
    • the evaluation and establishment of regulatory and reimbursement strategy; and/or
    • other activities that will accelerate or strengthen the commercialization case for the underlying technology.
    • Eligibility: Only active Phase II awards are eligible to receive a TABA supplement and only if the Phase II project started started between August 13, 2018 and July 31, 2020.
    • Max funding: $50,000 per Phase II award (one per active Phase II grant). Unless the Phase II award to be supplemented has received supplemental funding under the Commercialization Assistance Program (CAP) Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) NSF 22-063, the maximum request is $40,000.
    • Deadline: Phase II awardees are strongly encouraged to submit their TABA supplemental funding requests as early in the award as possible and at least three months prior to the expiration date of the Phase II award. NSF recommends that companies applying for Phase II budget for TABA in their Phase II proposal. (A program director may, at his or her discretion, accept TABA supplemental requests at any time during the award duration).
    • More information
    • Proposal / Budget submission instructions