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NSF-Funded Companies: In the News

Each month, America’s Seed Fund powered by the U.S. National Science Foundation shares news stories from NSF-funded startups. Find below news highlights from select companies previously funded by the NSF Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs:

2025

AeroShield Materials, Gallox Semiconductors and spotLESS Material

AeroShield Materials (NSF-2155248), Gallox Semiconductors (NSF-2451404) and spotLESS Materials (NSF-2026140) were selected as winners for the 2025 Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge. The 2025 Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge is an international, early-stage deep tech startup competition across all industries, including aerospace, energy, food and agriculture, digital health and medical devices, and more. Article via Hello Tomorrow

Apptronik

Robotics company Apptronik (NSF-1747193) develops an artificial intelligence-powered humanoid robot named Apollo. The 5'8” 160-pound robot is designed to perform a variety of tasks, including lifting heavy objects, unloading trailers, and operating tools in factories and warehouses. Apptronik recently raised $403 million. Article via IoT World Today

Atom Computing

Atom Computing (NSF-1951188) was named one of the top 10 most innovative computing companies of 2025 by Fast Company. Atom Computing develops quantum computers using pulses of light to manipulate neutral atoms. Article via Fast Company

Coreshell

To reduce the cost of lithium-ion batteries and improve the range of electric vehicles, Coreshell (NSF-2052172) develops a silicon anode coating that goes directly onto the electrodes of a battery. The company recently raised $24 million. Article via TechCrunch

Cruz Foam

Cruz Foam (NSF-2054360) is partnering with Tempest, a weather solutions tech company, to deliver biodegradable foam packaging made from shrimp shells and food waste. The new packaging will be launched in June this year. Article via Packaging Gateway

Mapless AI

Mapless AI (NSF-2240322) develops technology that allows for the safe remote control of vehicles from thousands of miles away. The company is participating in a pilot program in Detroit that helps residents access low-cost transportation. Article via Forbes

Nitricity

With a recent pivot to include recycled almond shells, Nitricity (NSF-2111864) uses air, water and electricity to develop a plant-based, pathogen-free nitrogen fertilizer to improve field production. The company recently raised $10 million. Article via AgFunderNews

Noble Gas System

Noble Gas Systems (NSF-2223187) develops safe, lightweight, and conformable gas storage and delivery systems for hydrogen and other compressed gases. The company recently raised $4.2 million. Article via Pulse 2.0

ReSource Chemical

ReSource Chemical (NSF-2301417) uses biomass and carbon dioxide to make high-performing plastics. The company recently raised $15 million. Article via Tech Company News

Rubi Laboratories

On a mission to reimagine supply chains, Rubi Laboratories (NSF-2414329) develops technology that captures carbon dioxide and converts it into cellulose, which is then spun into fibers and textiles. The company is partnering with Walmart. Article via The Cool Down

Tandem PV

To capture a broader spectrum of sunlight and convert more energy into electricity, Tandem PV (NSF-1747302) develops ultra-thin and efficient perovskite-based solar panels. The company recently raised $50 million. Article via Inc.

CelluDot

To improve crop protection and boost agricultural productivity, CelluDot (NSF-2304528) develops a plant-based formula that reduces chemical and pesticide drift. CelluDot is located in the Arkansas Research and Technology Park, which has generated $346 million in economic impact. Article via University of Arkansas

Diligent Robotics

Diligent Robotics (NSF-1738375), creator of the “Moxi” robot assistant, helps healthcare workers with non-patient facing tasks like delivering supplies and medications. The company reports that Moxi made over 1 million deliveries in hospitals across the country. Article via The Robot Report

Kilele Health

Kilele Health (NSF-2335105) helps people with cardiometabolic diseases by allowing doctors and patients to remotely monitor health using SunVida, a wearable device designed for chronic disease management. Article via University of Cincinnati

MedMicroMaps

MedMicroMaps (NSF-2432936) develops an immersive learning platform to help users learn microbiology and infectious diseases. Nursing students at Montana State University Billings tried out the company’s virtual reality prototype that allows students to see and interact with microbes, bacteria and viruses to treat a patient with a sore throat. Article via KTVQ

Next Energy Technologies

Next Energy Technologies (NSF-1353618) develops window coating that generates electricity. The company upgraded its pilot production line to include 40-by 60-inch laminated transparent power-generating windows. Article via USGlass magazine

PSYONIC

To improve the lives of people with amputations and injured limbs, PSYONIC (NSF-1951382) develops durable touch-sensing bionic hands. In 2024, the company appeared on ABC’s “Shark Tank” television show and was able to increase revenue and build its team as a result. Article via SlashGear

SafelyYou

SafelyYou (NSF-1758539) develops artificial intelligence to monitor falls for patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The company recently raised $43 million. Article via Pulse 2.0

SixLine Semiconductor

SixLine Semiconductor (NSF-2322200) develops carbon nanomaterials that can move electricity faster than traditional semiconductors made with silicon. The company’s CEO and co-founder was selected for the Forbes 30 Under 30 List for 2025 in manufacturing and industry. Article via University of Wisconsin-Madison

Solestial

Solestial (NSF-2052381) develops solar panels for space using silicon photovoltaic cells. The company was featured in Google’s 2025 Super Bowl ad campaign spotlighting 50 businesses from 50 states using artificial intelligence. Article via KJZZ

Symbrosia

Symbrosia (NSF-2309372) develops seaweed-based supplements to reduce methane emissions from livestock. The red seaweed called “SeaGraze” inhibits the formation of methane in a cow’s digestion system without impacting the cow’s nutrition or milk production. Article via AgFunderNews

UbiQD

Using quantum dot technology, UbiQD (NSF-1758697) converts sunlight into electricity for use in agriculture, energy and security. UbiQD recently acquired BlueDot Photonics, a developer of solar panels and photonic devices. Article via Los Alamos Reporter

Urban Sky

Developer of the “Microballoon,” Urban Sky (NSF-2112381) designs and operates stratospheric balloon systems for remote sensing applications for commercial use, such as wildfire monitoring and disaster response. The company recently raised $30 million. Article via SpaceNews

Cyclopure

To keep drinking water safe, Cyclopure (NSF-1831206) develops testing kits and reusable plant-based filters to test for and remove contaminants and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Article via Portland Press Herald

Filament Games

To help people gain new skills and knowledge, Filament Games (NSF-1853206) develops engaging and accessible educational games for all ages. The company develops iCivics, a platform and series of games to help educators, as well as FIRMM-pix that helps patients stay calm during brain magnetic resonance imaging. Article via Madison Magazine

Microbial Insights

Microbial Insights (NSF-1056963) uses molecular biological tools to identify and quantify microorganisms for environmental remediation, water and agriculture. The company is working to identify new biomarkers for predicting and preventing corrosion, partnering to clean up a polluted lagoon in Ghana, and working alongside a team of scientists to identify and overcome challenges for upcoming deep space exploration. Article via Knox News

Natrx

To promote biodiversity and coastal restoration, Natrx (NSF-2322073) provides nature-based coastal protection alternatives. The company develops artificial reefs called “ExoForms,” an ecofriendly barrier that provides shoreline protection and promotes habitat growth. Natrx collaborated with an East Carolina University researcher to find a more sustainable process to produce concrete. Article via ECU News Services

NeuroFlow

Veteran-founded NeuroFlow (NSF-1951062) provides a digital mental health platform that partners with major healthcare providers to drive better health outcomes and lower care costs. The company recently acquired a health analytics model to power more artificial intelligence innovation. Article via MSN

Nth Cycle

Metal refining company Nth Cycle (NSF-2112301) develops a process to repurpose metals found in batteries for electronic vehicles and consumer technology. The company is currently building several modular refining facilities to recycle end-of-life metals. Article via Waste360

Quantifind

Quantifind (NSF-1026493) uses artificial intelligence (AI) and data science for anti-money laundering and fraud detection. The company’s AI platform helps identify malicious activity quickly and accurately in the financial services and public sector domains. Article via FinTech Global

Silvis Materials

To replace petroleum materials used in coatings, adhesives and paints, Silvis Materials (NSF-2415714) develops building materials made from plants and trees. The company announced a partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop bio-based adhesives without harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. Article via BioSourced

Upstream Biotechnology

Upstream Biotechnology (NSF-2132421) develops plants that respond to pathogen-specific stimuli by releasing immune proteins to combat deadly pathogens. The company is partnering with Bene Seeds, a tomato company, to create new tomato varieties with stronger resistance to disease. Article via The Packer

Yank Technologies

Yank Technologies (NSF-2406644) develops powerful long-distance wireless charging technology for automative, consumer, space exploration and consumer needs. Forbes recently listed the company as a mobility startup shaping 2025. Article via Forbes

2024

2023